Distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in athletes and no athletes in a population of 10.000 young Italian students

Abstract

Introduction: Regular physical exercise is recommended by medical community. It is associated with a decrease in all cause-mortality, particularly with cardiovascular causes. The aim of our prospective observational study is to detect the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CvRFs) in a population of young Italian students, athletes (G-A) and no athletes (G-B). We considered both competitive and noncompetitive athletes. Methods: From October 2010 to October 2012, we prospectively evaluated 10019 students (Age 18.2±0.8 years old; 56% female) 6812 (68%) no athletes (G-B) and 3207 (32%) athletes (G-A). Anamnestic risk factors were collected using a medical history questionnaire. All students underwent to blood pressure and body-mass index evaluation. For statistical analysis we used the t test and Fisher's test, when appropriate. The statistical difference was considered significant only for p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: In young population there isn't a significant difference in the prevalence of high normal blood pressure value in two groups. In no athletes systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) average was significantly higher than athletes (SBP: G-A 110.00±3.54 vs G-B 117.00±21.21, p 25 had a SBP >130 mmHg and only 12% with BMI 130 mmHg. Conclusions: Our prospective observational study evidenced that the physical exercise decrease the blood pressure and BMI. Moreover the overweight is associated to an increase of systolic blood pressure also in young people.