A Retrospective Observational Study Examining Physical Activity Among Adults in the United States With Angina or...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Public Health Research
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD) stems from atherosclerotic plaque obstructing coronary arteries, impacting myocardial blood supply.
• Physical activity (PA) and exercise promote vascular remodeling and enhance endothelial function, improving coronary blood flow.
• Understanding PA levels in CHD patients is crucial for developing targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of self-reported physical activity (PA) among US adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) in 2021.
• To analyze the association of PA with demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare access variables in the CHD population.
• To identify factors influencing physical activity participation in individuals with CHD.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) database for the United States.
• Included a broad range of control variables: demographics, socioeconomic status, and healthcare access.
• Analyzed self-reported physical activity levels in participants with and without a diagnosis of angina or CHD.

Main Results:

• In 2021, 62.2% of 22,819 US adults with self-reported angina or CHD engaged in physical activity (PA) in the past month.
• Conversely, 37.8% of CHD patients reported no PA in the past month.
• A higher prevalence of PA was observed in individuals without CHD (76.5%) compared to those with CHD (62.2%).

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients do not meet recommended physical activity (PA) levels.
• There is a clear need for targeted interventions to address barriers and promote PA in this patient group.
• Future research should focus on identifying specific obstacles and developing effective strategies to increase exercise adherence among CHD patients.