The association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour with abdominal aortic calcification

Chang Sheng; Weihua Huang; Wei Wang; Guoqiang Lin; Mingmei Liao; Pu Yang

doi:10.1186/s12967-023-04566-w

The association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour with abdominal aortic calcification

J Transl Med. 2023 Oct 9;21(1):705. doi: 10.1186/s12967-023-04566-w.

Authors

Chang Sheng¹, Weihua Huang^{2

3

4}, Wei Wang^{1

5}, Guoqiang Lin^#^{6

7}, Mingmei Liao^#^{8

9}, Pu Yang^#^{10

11}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Vascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
² Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
³ Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
⁴ National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.
⁵ National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
⁶ National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 38328513@qq.com.
⁷ Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. 38328513@qq.com.
⁸ National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. mingmeiliao@csu.edu.cn.
⁹ Xiangya Hospital, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Nanobiological Technology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. mingmeiliao@csu.edu.cn.
¹⁰ Department of Vascular Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. puyang@csu.edu.cn.
¹¹ National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. puyang@csu.edu.cn.

^# Contributed equally.

Abstract

Background and aims: The increasing prevalence of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases poses a significant challenge to global healthcare systems. Regular physical activity (PA) is recognized for its positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods: The study used data from NHANES participants aged 40 and above during the 2013-2014 cycle. AAC scores were assessed using the Kauppila scoring system, and MVPA and SB were self-reported. Sociodemographic variables were considered, and multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze associations between MVPA, SB, and AAC scores. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, sex, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes.

Results: The study included 2843 participants. AAC prevalence was higher in older age groups, smokers, and those with diabetes or hypertension. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher AAC prevalence. Individuals engaged in any level of MVPA exhibited lower AAC rates compared to inactive individuals. Not engaging in occupational MVPA (β = 0.46, 95% confidence interval = 0.24‒0.67, p < .001) and prolonged SB (β = 0.28, 95% confidence interval = 0.04‒0.52, p = .023) were associated with higher AAC scores. However, no significant associations were found for transportation and leisure time MVPA. Subgroup analysis revealed age and hypertension as effect modifiers in the MVPA-AAC relationship.

Conclusions: This study highlights the potential benefits of engaging in occupational MVPA and reducing SB in mitigating AAC scores, particularly among older individuals and those with hypertension.

Keywords: Abdominal aortic calcification; Cardiovascular risk factors; NHANES; Physical activity; Sedentary behavior.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aged
Diabetes Mellitus*
Exercise
Humans
Hypertension*
Nutrition Surveys
Sedentary Behavior