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Cardiovascular risk burden and disability: findings from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS)
Juan-David Martinez-Aristizábal1, Carmen-Lucia Curcio2, Juliana Fernandes3
1Internal Medicine, Critical Care Department, Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital, Medellín, Colombia.
Insights
Higher cardiovascular risk burden is linked to declining physical function in older adults. This study highlights the connection between cardiovascular health and mobility, suggesting potential for early detection.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The relationship between cardiovascular risk and disability in aging populations remains incompletely understood.
- Investigating the link between cardiovascular disease risk trajectories and physical function decline is crucial for geriatric health.
- This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk burden and its impact on physical limitations in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between trajectories of the Framingham General Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score (FGCRS) and physical function limitations in older adults.
- To identify factors influencing the probability of disability in an aging cohort.
- To explore the potential of physical performance measures as indicators of cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 1219 participants in the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) with repeated measures of FGCRS.
- Assessment of baseline FGCRS categorized into tertiles and physical function using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB).
- Application of linear mixed-effects models to analyze the trajectories of cardiovascular risk and physical function.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in physical performance was observed in participants with middle and highest FGCRS tertiles between 2012-2014.
- Factors increasing disability risk included age, female sex, living in the Andes Mountains, higher FGCRS, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, and cognitive impairment.
- Living in more developed regions and higher educational attainment were associated with reduced disability risk.
Conclusions:
- Elevated cardiovascular risk burden is associated with diminished physical performance, particularly in gait.
- The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) may serve as a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular health in older adults.
- Understanding these associations can inform interventions aimed at maintaining physical function and reducing disability in aging populations.
Background:
The association of cardiovascular risk burden with disability is unclear. We examined the association between trajectories of the Framingham general cardiovascular disease risk score (FGCRS) with the trajectories of limitations of physical function in older adults.
Methods:
A total of 1219 participants with no disabilities from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) study who had up to three repeated measures of FGCRS between 2012-2016 and without a history of stroke or coronary heart disease at baseline and follow-up were included. FGCRS at baseline was assessed and categorized into tertiles. Physical function was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.
Results:
At baseline, FGCRS ranged between 3-94 (mean score: 24 ± 15.8), participants were 32 (2.6%), 502 (41.2%) and 685 (56.2%) in lowest, middle, and highest tertiles, respectively. In the trajectories of limitations of physical function, the lowest FGCRS had no differences, while the middle and highest had a decrease in physical performance between 2012-2014 (P = 0.0001). Age, being female, living in Andes Mountains, having middle and highest FGCRS, higher alcohol consumption, being obese, lack of exercise and cognitive impairment increase the probability of disability (P < 0.05). Alternatively, living in more developed regions and having a higher educational level reduced the probability of disability during the follow-up time (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Higher cardiovascular risk burden is associated with decreased physical performance, especially in gait. Results suggest SPPB may provide a measure of cardiovascular health in older adults.
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