The association of objectively measured physical activity on blood pressure and the prevalence of hypertension in African ancestry men
Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Hypertension is a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease and accounts for 7.5 million deaths per year, globally, with disproportionately high rates in African ancestry populations. This study aimed to test the association of duration and intensity of objectively measured physical activity with blood pressure and prevalent hypertension in a sample of 310 Afro-Caribbean men. Methods: Men for this study were from the Tobago Health Study and aged 50-89 years (mean 63 years). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively) were measured using an automated cuff, and hypertension was defined as SBP ≥ 140 mmHg, DBP ≥ 90 mmHg, or current use of antihypertensive medication. Physical activity was measured using the SenseWear Pro armband (SWA) worn at home for 4-7 days. We calculated daily step count and duration of waking time engaged in sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA). Multiple linear or logistic regressions were used to test for associations using the isotemporal substitution framework. Models were adjusted for SWA wear time, age, hypertension medication, alcohol consumption, smoking, comorbidities, family history of hypertension, and salt intake, and, additionally, for adiposity. Results: Compared to SB, greater time spent engaged in LPA was associated with lower SBP adjusted for wear time (p<0.05), but this was attenuated after adjustment for age. Compared to SB, greater time spent engaged in LPA was associated with lower DBP and lower odds of hypertension, adjusted for wear time and age (p<0.05 for both). In unmedicated men, results for SBP and DBP were similar, but were also significant after adjustment for adiposity (p<0.05 for both). Greater step count was associated with lower odds of hypertension after full adjustment (p<0.05), but not after further adjustment for adiposity. Conclusions: Replacing sedentary time with light activity was associated with lower blood pressures and odds of hypertension in older Afro-Caribbean men. The results are important to public health, adding evidence that increased physical activity could be beneficial in blood pressure management in this population.
Author: Ryan Cvejkus
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2912916618