Longitudinal associations between physical activity and five risk factors of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged adults in Germany

Exercise Training Modalities in Young and Middle-Aged Adults With Prehypertension or Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Aims

The question of how to choose the right type of exercise to lower blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors in people worldwide with high blood pressure is not yet fully understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various exercise training on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors among young and middle-aged adults with prehypertension or hypertension.

Design

Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched five electronic databases to identify randomized controlled trials that compare exercise training versus a sedentary or sham control group in young and middle-aged adults with prehypertension or hypertension. Review Manager 5.3, Stata15.0, and R4.2.1 software estimated the efficacy of exercise training modalities.

Results

We included 19 eligible articles with 1590 participants to assess five exercise trainings. Our findings indicated that low-middle intensity aerobic exercise (mean difference (MD) = -8.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -13.58, -2.58) was superior to all exercise strategies (high-intensity aerobic exercise: MD = -6.53, 95% CI = -12.51, -0.56; high-intensity resistance exercise: MD = -4.95, 95% CI = -11.07, 1.17; low-middle-intensity resistance exercise: MD = -3.49, 95% CI = -12.36, 5.39) compared with control group in lowering systolic blood pressure. Compared with the control strategy, high-intensity resistance exercise (MD = -4.75, 95% CI = -8.00, -1.50), high-intensity aerobic exercise (MD = -4.27, 95% CI = -7.08, -1.45) could lower diastolic blood pressure. The effects of different exercise patterns on cardiovascular risk factors, the results indicated that only low-middle-intensity aerobic exercise significantly improved body mass index (MD = -0.55, 95% CI = -7.08, -1.45), total cholesterol (MD = -19.07, 95% CI = -36.42, -1.72), triglycerides (MD = -14.32, 95% CI = -23.16, -5.48), high-density lipoprotein (MD = 2.29, 95% CI = 0.85, 3.73), and low-density lipoprotein (MD = -13.90, 95% CI = -22.18, -5.63). In addition, no intervention affects heart rate.

Conclusion

Compared with other types of exercise, aerobic exercise can significantly improve systolic blood pressure, while high-intensity resistance or aerobic exercise may significantly improve diastolic blood pressure. In addition, AE-LM is effective in the reduction of risk factors that are contributors to the development of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, this study provides strong evidence to support the selection of appropriate exercise modalities for hypertensive patients.

Exploring the causal effects of physical activity, diet, and nutrition on hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hypertension and hyperlipidaemia are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lifestyle interventions, including modifications in diet, nutrition, and physical activity, are commonly recommended, but their causal effects on these conditions remain uncertain. This study aims to explore the causal effects of these factors on hypertension and hyperlipidaemia using multivariate Mendelian randomisation analysis, providing insights for effective cardiovascular prevention strategies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genetic data related to physical activity, diet, and nutrition were obtained from public databases and analyzed using multivariate Mendelian randomisation. The analysis employed MR Egger, weighted median, and inverse variance weighting (IVW) methods, with tests for heterogeneity and multiplicity ensuring the reliability of the results. In the hypertension analysis, low-calorie diets showed a positive association in weighted median and IVW analyses, with weighted median analysis showing an association of 1.122 (95% CI: 1.014-1.243, P = 0.026) and IVW analysis showing an association of 1.095 (95% CI: 1.013-1.184, P = 0.023). However, MR Egger's analysis showed no significant association (association of 0.688, 95% CI: 0.411-1.155, P = 0.230). Calcium supplements and dietary fibre did not demonstrate significant associations across all methods. Physical activity also did not show significant causal links with hypertension. Regarding hyperlipidaemia, calcium supplements exhibited significant effects across all methods, though with notable variation, while dietary fibre and physical activity showed no significant impacts.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests a positive association between low-calorie diets and hypertension, as indicated by significant results from weighted median and IVW analyses. Other dietary factors, physical activity, and calcium supplementation exhibited varied or non-significant effects on hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and support the development of effective public health interventions.

Longitudinal association between fitness and metabolic syndrome: a population-based study over 29 years follow-up

OBJECTIVES

To examine the longitudinal associations between fitness and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in community-dwelling adults over 29 years of follow-up.

DESIGN

Ongoing, population-based cohort study of adults aged ≥ 33 years at baseline residing in the city of Bad Schönborn, Germany.

METHODS

The sample comprised 89 persons (41 females; mean age 40.1 years at baseline) who participated at baseline (in the year 1992) and 29-years follow-up (in the year 2021). Fitness (predictor variable) was assessed using 15 standardized and validated tests that measured strength, gross motor coordination, mobility/ flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness/ endurance, and a z-transformed fitness score was calculated for analysis. MetS (outcome of interest) was assessed through five criteria related to waist circumference, blood glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and a sum score was created for analysis. We ran partial correlations to examine the association between fitness score at baseline and MetS score at 29-years follow-up, adjusted for age, sex, socio-economic status, smoking status, sleep quality, and physical activity engagement in minutes/ week.

RESULTS

A higher fitness score at baseline was significantly associated with a lower MetS score indicative of better metabolic health at 29-years follow-up (r=-0.29; p = 0.011). These associations were present in participants aged ≤ 40 years (r=-0.33; p = 0.025) as well as those aged > 40 years (r=-0.43; p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Fitness may be a predictor of longitudinal metabolic health, and potentially also mediates previously reported longitudinal associations between physical activity and metabolic health. More research is needed to confirm these observations, and to also explore underlying mechanisms.

Effects of physical activity on the levels of remnant cholesterol: A population-based study

Physical activity (PA) has the potential to bring about favourable changes in plasma lipid profile. However, the relationship between PA and remnant cholesterol (RC) remains unclear. We aimed to study the link between PA and RC using the database of the 2007-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PA was categorized based on Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. A multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the correlations between PA and RC. The study involved a total of 18,396 participants and revealed that individuals whose PA met the guidelines by engaging in moderate-intensity PA at least 150 min per week had lower body mass index and showed decreased levels of triglyceride, TC, and haemoglobin A1c compared to those who were physically inactive, exercising <150 min per week. Participants whose intensity of PA meets PA guidelines had a lower level of RC than those who did not met PA guidelines (β = -1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.9 to -0.7, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for confounders. During subgroup analysis, we observed that race (pinteraction  = 0.0089) emerged as a significant factor of interaction.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome: A Prospective Study on Cardiovascular Health

Background and objectives: This article highlights the relationship between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, providing a comprehensive overview of its risk factors and prevalence. Metabolic syndrome, characterized by a cluster of interconnected risk factors, significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. Materials and methods: This study, conducted over a one-year period, involved 117 patients aged between 30 and 79 years old. Various parameters were analyzed, such as gender, age, education level, provenance from urban or rural environment, smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary aspects, physical activity, and their contribution to the appearance of metabolic syndrome. Central adiposity and high blood pressure emerged as prominent elements of the condition. Results: The findings underscore the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome. Encouraging regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoiding harmful behaviors, such as smoking or alcohol consumption, are essential in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and its associated cardiovascular complications. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for public health initiatives, as well as individualized preventive strategies to combat the rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Through promoting awareness of its risk factors and implementing effective interventions, healthcare professionals can contribute to better cardiovascular health worldwide. Further research in this area will continue to enhance our understanding of metabolic syndrome and refine preventive and therapeutic approaches for its management.