Risk of cardiovascular complications and level of physical activity in youth

The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology published the results of an observational epidemiological study that included 2902 participants analyzing the risk of cardiovascular complications and the level of physical activity in youth.

Physical activity level was assessed over the first 15 years. Patients were divided into 4 subgroups according to physical activity level based on the proportion of target physical activity. By the time the physical activity assessment was completed, the mean age of the included participants was 40.3 years. Follow-up prospectively was 18.9 years.

Patients with the highest level of physical activity (more than 75% of target physical activity) were significantly less likely to develop cardiovascular complications (compared with the lowest activity group). No benefits were found for the groups with intermediate levels of physical activity.

Sufficient and regular physical activity corresponding to the recommended physical activity (not less than 150 minutes per week of moderately intensive and intensive loads) at a young age is realized in the future in a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular complications.