Higher Total Physical Activity is Associated with Lower Arterial Stiffness in Swedish, Young Adults: The Cross-Sectional Lifestyle, Biomarkers, and Atherosclerosis Study

PURPOSE: Arterial stiffness describes the rigidity of the arterial walls and is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Arterial stiffness predicts future events and mortality, and the predictive value is stronger in younger versus older subjects. The aims of the present study were, firstly, to present data on physical activity (PA) and time spent sedentary, in the population of Swedish, young adults. Secondly, to explore the association between PA and arterial stiffness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Self-reported healthy, non-smoking, Swedish, young adults, 18–25 years old, participated in the cross-sectional Lifestyle, Biomarkers and Atherosclerosis (LBA) study. The daily PA was objectively measured with an accelerometer for 1 week. Of the 834 participants, 658 individuals had valid registrations. The arterial stiffness measures, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) were measured with applanation tonometry. RESULTS: Women were on overall more physically active than men, they spent 214 min/day in light PA (LPA) compared to men who spent 202 min/day. Women took significantly more steps per day than men, 7796 vs 7336 steps/day, and spent less time sedentary, 523 min/day, compared to men who spent 547 min/day sedentary. In total, 76% of the individuals spent on average at least 30 minutes per day in the recommended moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA). Lower arterial stiffness was associated with more MVPA and total PA in the total population. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in this age group of young, self-reported healthy adults 18–25 years, it is important to highlight the health-enhancing possibilities of time spent in physical activity on the vascular function, measured as PWV and AIx. It is of high relevance in a public health perspective to expand preventive efforts beyond the high-risk groups and encourage young adults to be physically active.