A study to assess association between physical activity level and cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults

Sheeba Sherin*

Clinical Dietitian , Kauvery Hospital, Heart city, Trichy, Tamil Nadu

*Correspondence

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Physical inactivity is an important modifiable risk factor associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity can help maintain healthy body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid levels, thereby reducing cardiovascular risk.

Key words: Cardiovascular disease; Physical activity

Introduction

Physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and plays a major role in preventing chronic disease. Modern lifestyle has increased sedentary behaviors with prolonged sitting and low physical activity among adults. Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor that increases the risk of heart disease, and stroke and contributes to elevated blood pressure level. Insufficient physical activity is associated with increased insulin resistance and the risk of diabetes mellitus as well as overweight and abdominal obesity. Assessing physical activity levels and dietary patterns can help identify modifiable risk factors and promote healthier lifestyle.

Objectives

To assess the level of physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
To assess the low, moderate and high physical activity levels among adults.
To assess the dietary patterns of adults.
To assess cardiovascular risk factors such as BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and diabetes status.

Research methodology

Research approach – Quantitative Approach

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Study design – Cross sectional survey

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Target population – Adults

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Sample size – 30 participants

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Study duration – 2 months

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Location – KHC unit

Assessment tool

S.no	Category	Variables
1.	Demographic	Age, Sex, Occupation
2.	Physical activity	IPAQ, Walking, Mild, Moderate / Vigorous activity, sitting time
3.	Anthropometric Measurements	Weight, Height, BMI
4.	Clinical parameters	Blood Pressure
5.	Biochemical history	Diabetes, Lipid profile
6.	Lifestyle	Smoking, alcohol, Dietary pattern
7.	CVD history	Previous cardiovascular disease / Family history

This table shows that assessments tool used for data collection. The participants were assessed seven major categories.

Demographic

Age

Within the current investigation, to find the low physical activity levels of the cardiac patients (n = 30) by using their age,

S.no	Age	No of patients have low physical activity (n=30)
1.	18-24 years	3
2.	25-34 years	7
3.	35-44 years	10
4.	45-54 years	5
5.	55-64 years	4
6.	65-75 years	1

This table shows the distribution of 30 patients with low physical activity according to their age. Low physical activity was highest among the 35-44 years’ age group, with 10 patients, followed by 25-44 years with 7 patients. The lowest was seen in the 65-75 years’ group with 1 patient.

Sex

This table represents demographic profile of the study participants. Among them (63.3%) were males and (36.6%) were females.

Occupation

This table represents based on occupation of study participants. IT workers were largest group, followed by business professionals, teachers, engineers and sales marketing professionals.

Physical activity

Types of walking

S.no	Types of walking	Classification	No of patients (n=30)
1.	Slow walking	Leisurely or relaxed walking	2
2.	Normal / Moderate – paced walking	Walking to work or shopping	1
3.	Brisk walking	Faster walking	1
4.	Walking for transportation	Walking to school, work, shops, bus stops	1
5.	Exercise walking	Planned walking for fitness	0
6.	Patients who didn’t walk	NIL	25

This table represents types of walking among 30 participants. Only 5 patients (16.67%) reported some form of walking, while 25 patients (83.33%) did not walk, slow walking was most common type, reported by 2 patients (6.67%). No patients reported planned exercise walking. Overall, the findings indicate a low level of walking activity among the study participants.

Sitting time

S.no	Daily sitting time	classification	No of patients (n=30)
1.	<4 hours / day	Low sitting	11
2.	4-6 hours / day	Moderate sitting	03
3.	>6 hours / day	High sitting	16
4.	>8 hours / day	Prolonged sitting	0

This table represents sitting time of study participants. 11 patients (36.6%) had low sitting time, 3 patients (10%) had moderate sitting time, and 16 patients (53.3%) had high sitting time of more than 6 hours per day. None reported prolonged sitting above 8 hours. Overall high sitting time was common the participants, highlighting the importance of reducing sedentary behavior.

Anthropometric measurements

S.no	BMI Grade	No of patients (n=30)
1.	Normal	0
2.	Underweight	0
3.	Overweight	13
4.	Obesity	11
5.	Morbidity	06

This table shows the BMI status of 30 participants. There were 13 patients (43.3%) are overweight, 11 patients (36.6%) are obese, and 6 members (20%) are obese. None reported normal or underweight categories. Over all the findings shows a high prevalence of excess body weight among the study participants.

Clinical parameters

Blood pressure

S.no	Age	No of patients have Blood pressure	No of patients doesn’t have Blood pressure
1.	18-24 years	01	02
2.	25-34 years	02	05
3.	35-44 years	01	09
4.	45-54 years	03	02
5.	55-64 years	01	03
6.	65-75 years	01	0

This table shows the blood pressure status of 30 participants across different age groups. Overall, 23 patients (76.6%) had normal blood pressure, 5 patients (16.6%) had elevated blood pressure, and 2 patients (6.6%) had high blood pressure. This indicates that most participants had normal blood pressure, while a smaller proportion had elevated or high blood pressure.

Biochemical history

Diabetes mellitus

S.no	Age	No of patients have diabetes	No of patients doesn’t have diabetes
1.	18-24 years	01	02
2.	25-34 years	02	05
3.	35-44 years	05	05
4.	45-54 years	02	03
5.	55-64 years	03	01
6.	65-75 years	01	0

This table shows the Diabetes mellitus status of 30 participants across different age groups. Overall, 3 patients (10%) had newly diabetes, 16 patients (53.3%) had prediabetes, and 11 patients (36.6%) had diabetes. This indicates that most participants had prediabetes condition.

Lipid profile

S.no	Age	No of patients have cholesterol	No of patients doesn’t have cholesterol
1.	18-24 years	0	03
2.	25-34 years	02	05
3.	35-44 years	05	05
4.	45-54 years	02	03
5.	55-64 years	02	02
6.	65-75 years	0	01

This table shows the lipid profile status of 30 participants across different age groups. Overall, 12 patients (40%) had moderate cholesterol level, 4 patients (13.3%) had borderline cholesterol level, and 3 patients (10%) had high cholesterol. This indicates that most participants had moderate cholesterol level.

Lifestyle

Dietary pattern

S.no	Dietary pattern	No of patients (n=30)
1.	Vegetarian	5
2.	Non - Vegetarian	21
3.	Ova vegetarian	4

This table shows dietary pattern of 30 participants. Overall, 5 patients (16.7%) are vegetarian, 21 patients (70%) are non-vegetarian, and 4 patients (13.3%) are ova vegetarian. This indicates that most participants are non-vegetarian. Most participants (70%) were non vegetarian, while vegetarian and ova vegetarian were fewer.

Eating habits

S.no	Eating habits	No of patients (n=30)
1.	Balanced Eating	0
2.	Irregular Eating (skipping Meals)	7
3.	Frequent Snacking	4
4.	Fast Eating	3
5.	Junk food Eating	12
6.	Night food eating	4

This table shows eating habits of 30 participants. Overall, 7 members (23.3%) had irregular eating habits, 4 members (13.3%) had frequent snacking habits, 3 members (10%) are fast eating habits, 12 members (40%) are junk food eaters, 4 members (13.3%) are night food eaters. None of the participants had balanced eating. Overall, junk food consumption was the most common unhealthy eating habit followed by irregular meal patterns. This indicates that unhealthy eating habits were common among the participants and may contribute to cardiovascular risk.

Smoking and alcohol

S.no	Smoking / Tobacco	No of patients(n=30)
1.	Yes	02
2.	No	28

S.no	Alcohol	No of patients(n=30)
1.	Yes	01
2.	No	29

This table shows among the 30 participants. 2 patients (6.7%) were smoker’s/ tobacco users, 1 patient (3.3%) consumed alcohol. Overall, most patients had no history of smoking / tobacco and alcohol consumption.

History of cardiovascular disease

Previous history

S.no	Previous history	No of patients (n=30)
1.	Yes	2
2.	No	28

This table shows 2 patients (6.7%) had a previous history of cardiovascular disease, while 28 patients (93.3%) had no previous history.

Family history

S.no	Family history	No of patients (n=30)
1.	Yes	7
2.	No	23

This table shows 7 patients (23.3%) had a previous history of cardiovascular disease, while 23 patients (76.7%) had no family history. Overall, most patients did not have a previous history of CVD, but 23.3% had a positive family history, indicating a potential hereditary risk factor.

Findings

The survey may show that,
93.3 percent of patients are in that category of low physical activity, and that is a considerable proportion of participants who had low physical activity levels. So they had a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Prolonged sitting and sedentary occupations were common among participants.
Lack of time, fatigue, and lack of motivation were frequently reported barriers.
Irregular activity may be associated with increase weight and uncontrolled diabetes and blood pressure levels.

Participants with low physical activity can have a greater cumulative of cardiovascular risk burden.

Recommendation

Start Gradually – Begin with 10-15 minutes of walking and increase duration daily.
Aim for Regular Activity – Work towards 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
Reduce Prolonged Sitting – Take a 2-5-minute movement break every 30-60 minutes.
Choose Enjoyable Activities – Walking, cycling, or any other activity you enjoy will be easier to sustain.
Maintain Healthy Weight – Combine activity with a balanced, nutritious diet.
Monitor Key Markers – Track blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol when appropriate.
Priorities Recovery – Maintain adequate sleep and manage stress levels.

Conclusion

Low physical activity and prolonged sitting are common lifestyle risk factor among adults surveyed.
Regular physical activity helps maintain healthy body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose and cardiovascular health.
A balanced diet along with adequate physical activity supports overall health and reduces the risk of lifestyle – related disease.
Small lifestyle changes such as walking regularly, reducing sitting time, choosing nutritious foods can make a significant difference.

A study to assess association between physical activity level and cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults

A study to assess association between physical activity level and cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults

Sheeba Sherin*

Nightingale Journals