Atherosclerosis Prevalence among Different Physical Activity Patterns in Adult Men

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Atherosclerosis Research
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) intensity's role in atherosclerosis risk is debated.
• Existing literature presents conflicting findings on PA and atherosclerosis.
• Subclinical atherosclerosis assessment in specific vascular beds is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between different physical activity levels and subclinical atherosclerosis.
• To analyze the presence of atheroma plaques in femoral and carotid arteries based on PA intensity.
• To determine the impact of vigorous physical activity (VPA) versus moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 449 middle-aged men from the Aragon Workers' Health Study.
• Assessment of habitual physical activity using accelerometry.
• Ultrasonography to detect atheroma plaques in femoral and carotid arteries.

Main Results:

• Vigorous physical activity (VPA) exceeding 60 min/week was associated with reduced odds of subclinical atherosclerosis (OR 0.47 for femoral, OR 0.35 for any territory).
• No significant differences in atheroma plaque prevalence were found between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) groups.
• Higher VPA levels demonstrated a protective effect against atherosclerosis in specific vascular territories.

Conclusions:

• Performing >60 min/week of VPA is linked to decreased odds of subclinical atherosclerosis in adult men.
• VPA appears more critical than MVPA in mitigating atherosclerosis risk in the studied population.
• Findings suggest targeted VPA recommendations may help prevent vascular disease.