Introduction:
Moderate physical activity (PA) is recommended in patients with heart failure (HF). However, patient’ characteristics in those with low PA and the impact of light-intensity PA on postdischarge major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) remain unclear in older Japanese HF patients.
Methods:
Thirty seven patients (Stage C/D: 76±5 yrs, 21m) who had been admitted due to HF and 23 Stage A/B patients (73±5 yrs) with risk factors were enrolled. PA was measured using the Omuron HJ350IT accelerometer from the day of discharge for 7 days. Light-intensity PA at an intensity of 1.5-3.0 metabolic equivalents (METs), moderate-intensity PA (≥3METs), and total PA were determined. At discharge, knee-extensor muscle strength, 6-min walking distance (6MWD),SF-36 score, and left ventricular (LV) structure by echocardiography were evaluated. Stage C/D patients were stratified into High-PA and Low-PA according to the median total PA value of 8.4 METs·hour/day. Stage A/B patients underwent these measurements, and values were compared. Factors related to the 6-month postdischarge MACE were assessed.
Results:
Stage C/D patients were anemic, took fewer steps per day, and had higher brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) than Stage A/B patients. Patients in Low-PA were less likely to engage in household work, and had shorter active time, fewer steps per day, and lower light- and moderate-intensity PA than those in High-PA. No differences were observed in 6MWD (263±110 vs. 303±77 m), knee-extensor muscle strength, BNP (405±346 vs. 267±179 pg/ml), SF-36 physical composite score, or LV ejection fraction between Low-PA and High-PA. Light-intensity and total PA, but not moderate-intensity PA, were associated with the 6-month postdischarge MACE through univariate analyses. Multivariate regression analysis showed that total PA was the independent predictor of the 6-month postdischarge MACE (odds ratio: 0.66) among functional capacity variables including 6MWD and knee-extensor muscle strength.
Conclusions:
Physical activity, especially at light-intensity, is inversely associated with the 6-month postdischarge MACE in older HF patients. Our results may indicate that postdischarge PA assessed by accelerometer is useful to distinguish those at high risks for MACE.
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