Higher Physical Activity Is Associated with Improved Ventricular-Arterial Coupling: Assessment Using the cfPWV/GLS...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Physiology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Age-related vascular stiffening contributes to cardiovascular risk by disrupting ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC).
• Physical activity is a modifiable factor with potential benefits for cardiovascular health.
• This study investigates the link between physical activity levels and VAC in a Romanian primary care setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between physical activity assessment and ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC).
• To determine if physical activity levels can predict sedentary lifestyles.
• To explore the association between physical activity and VAC measured by the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity to global longitudinal strain (cfPWV/GLS) ratio.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 81 adults (mean age 50.27 ± 12.93 years).
• Physical activity quantified using metabolic equivalents (METs) and categorized into four groups.
• Demographic and echocardiographic data collected to analyze associations with VAC.

Main Results:

• The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity to global longitudinal strain (cfPWV/GLS) ratio varied significantly across physical activity groups (p = 0.012), with the lowest values in the moderate-intensity group.
• A VAC ratio ≥ 0.391 effectively predicted sedentary lifestyles (AUC = 0.730, p < 0.001).
• Age, arterial age, and hypertension were independent predictors of VAC.

Conclusions:

• Increased physical activity demonstrates an inverse association with ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC), as indicated by the cfPWV/GLS ratio.
• Physical activity levels can serve as a predictor for sedentary lifestyles.
• Promoting moderate-to-vigorous exercise in primary care settings may enhance cardiovascular function and contribute to disease prevention.