Lack of Physical Activity Associated With Worse Cardiometabolic Risk Profile

Physical inactivity is linked to worse cardiometabolic health, according to a study presented at the American College of Cardiology 73rd Annual Scientific Session & Expo.

The American Heart Association recommends all adults perform at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) to promote optimal cardiometabolic health. However, formal patient screening for physical inactivity is rarely done.

Researchers assessed the viability of using the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS), a validated inactivity screening tool, to differentiate cardiometabolic risk based on self-reported physical activity levels. They analyzed 28,953 individuals who completed PAVS during an ambulatory care visit between September 2022 and August 2023. Based on PAVS scoring, participants were categorized as inactive (0 MVPA mins/week), insufficiently active (1-149 MVPA mins/week), or active (150+ MVPA mins/week).

The results showed that active patients were predominantly younger, female, and White. Researchers noted that, overall, physical inactivity was significantly correlated with worse cardiometabolic risk profiles in a large ambulatory patient population. “PAVS is an effective screening tool to identify inactive patients who may benefit from physical activity,” they concluded.