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.
Knee Extensor Muscle Strength And The Depressive Status Among Older Japanese Women: A Cross-sectional Study
