Physical activity is an important determinant of arterial stiffness in COPD

Abstract

Background and objective: Arterial stiffness is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk beyond that of classic cardiovascular risk factors. Previous studies showed that arterial stiffness is increased in patients with COPD compared to healthy controls and exercise training may reduce arterial stiffness. Since physical inactivity is frequently observed in patients with COPD and exercise training may improve arterial stiffness we hypothesized that low daily physical activity (PA) may be associated with increased arterial stiffness. Methods: In 123 patients with COPD (72 % men; mean (SD) age: 62 (7.5) years; median (quartile) FEV1 35 (27/65) % pred.), arterial stiffness was assessed by augmentation index (AI). Daily physical activity level (PAL) was measured by an activity monitor (SenseWear Pro™) over one week. The association between AI and PAL was investigated by univariate and multivariate regression analysis, taking into account disease specific characteristics and comorbidities. Results: Patients suffered from moderate (35%), severe (32%) and very severe (33%) COPD and 22% were active smokers. Median (quartile) PAL was 1.4 (1.3/1.5) and mean (SD) AI 26 (9.2) %. PAL showed a negative association with AI (B = -9.32, p=0.017) independent of age, gender, blood pressure and airflow limitation. Conclusion: In COPD patients, a higher PAL seems to favourable influence arterial stiffness and therefore may reduce cardiovascular risk.