The additive effect of adherence to multiple healthy lifestyles on subclinical atherosclerosis: Insights from the AWHS.

BACKGROUND: Public health strategies targeting multiple healthy behaviors, rather than individual factors, have been proposed as more efficient strategies to promote cardiovascular health. However, the additive effect of multiple targets on primary prevention has not been fully characterized. OBJECTIVE: To examine how adherence to multiple healthy behaviors is associated with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis, a measure of early cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Analysis of a baseline data from 1798 middle-aged men from the Aragon Workers Health Study conducted between 2009 and 2010. Healthy behaviors were defined according to American Heart Association recommendations, aligned with Spanish Nutritional recommendations and included moderate alcohol consumption, smoking abstinence, no abdominal adiposity, decreased sedentarism, and adherence to Alternate Mediterranean Dietary Index. Presence of coronary artery calcium and plaques in femoral and carotid was quantified by a 16-slice computed tomography scanner and 2D ultrasound. RESULTS: Moderate alcohol consumption, as well as adherence to Mediterranean diet is independently associated with a 6% lower risk of having subclinical atherosclerosis. Smoking abstinence is associated with a 11% lower risk of subclinical atherosclerosis. Those who follow 3 lifestyle behaviors (Mediterranean diet, nonsmoking, and moderate alcohol intake) have 18% lower odds of presenting subclinical atherosclerosis compared with those who do not follow these protective lifestyle habits. CONCLUSION: Adoption of multiple healthy lifestyle behaviors early in life could be a key strategy to tackle the onset of atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular disease burden.

[Compliance with Physical Activity Recommendations and Associated Factors in a Cohort of Spanish Adult Workers]. / Factores asociados al cumplimiento de las recomendaciones sobre actividad física en población trabajadora de entre 40 y 55 años de edad.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity remains a public health problem worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine compliance with physical activity (PA) recommendations developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and to analyze the association with different cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants in a sample of Spanish workers. METHODS: A cross sectional analysis was carried out in a sample of 2.651 individuals (2.428 men and 133 women, aged 40-55 years old) from the Aragon Workers' Health Study (AWHS). Sample was divided into two groups depending on whether they met PA recommendations during the last year, including transportation, leisure and occupational PA. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, pharmacological and lifestyle data were collected during the years 2011-2014. Median and interquartile range for quantitative variables and frequency distribution for categorical variables were used. Crude and adjusted binary logistic regression models were carried out to study the likelihood of meeting with PA recommendations based on the number of CVRF (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking) present. RESULTS: 47.0% of workers complied with WHO recommendations for PA. Lower prevalence of compliance was found among those participants presenting some CVRF (39.7% in hypertensive, 38.7% in dyslipidemic and 32.7% in diabetic). Of the total study sample, 51.3% reported not performing PA or practice a light PA, 20.2% moderate and 28.5% vigorous or very vigorous PA. The likelihood of compliance with PA recommendations decreased with increasing the number of CVRF: 1 CVRF (OR: 0.62; 95%IC: 0.49-0.78), 2 CVRF (OR: 0.49; 95% IC: 0.38-0.62), 3 CVRF (OR: 0.34; 95% IC: 0.25-0.46), 4 CVRF (OR: 0.19; 95% IC: 0.11-0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with recommendations of PA in our population remains insufficient, moreover in those with increased cardiovascular risk.

Factores asociados al cumplimiento de las recomendaciones sobre actividad física en población trabajadora de entre 40 y 5 años de edad / Compliance with physical activity recommendations and associated factors in a cohort of spanish adult workers

Fundamentos: la inactividad física continúa siendo un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la adherencia a las recomendaciones de actividad física (AF) establecidas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) de una muestra de trabajadores españoles, así como analizar su asociación con diferentes factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV), indicadores sociodemográficos y de estilo de vida. Métodos: estudio tranversal con 2.651 participantes en la cohorte del Aragon Workers’ Health Study (AWHS) (2.428 varones y 133 mujeres), con edades comprendidas entre los 40-55 años. Se dividió a la población en dos grupos en función de si habían cumplido o no durante el último año las recomendaciones sobre AF establecidas por la OMS, teniendo en cuenta las actividades relacionadas con la ocupación, ocio y recreación y desplazamientos. Se registraron variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, clínicas, farmacológicas y de estilo de vida entre los años 2011-2014. Se calcularon la mediana y el intervalo intercuartílico para variables cuantitativas y la distribución de frecuencias para las categóricas. Se estimó un modelo de regresión logística binaria crudo y ajustado para analizar la probabilidad de cumplir las recomendaciones de AF en función del número de FRCV (hipertensión, dislipemia, diabetes, obesidad y tabaquismo). Resultados: el 47,0% de participantes cumplían las recomendaciones. El cumplimiento fue del 39,7% en hipertensos, del 38,7% en dislipémicos y 32,7% en diabéticos. El 51,3% reportó no realizar AF o realizar una AF ligera, el 20,2% moderada y el 28,5% vigorosa o muy vigorosa. Los resultados mostraron cómo a medida que aumentaba el número de FRCV disminuía la probabilidad de adherirse a las recomendaciones: 1 FRCV (OR: 0,62; 95%CI: 0,49-0,78), 2 FRCV (OR: 0,49; 95%CI: 0,38-0,62), 3 FRCV (OR: 0,34; 95%CI: 0,25-0,46), 4 FRCV (OR: 0,19; 95%CI: 0,11-0,32). Conclusiones: el incumplimiento de las recomendaciones de AF en nuestra población es frecuente sobre todo en personas con mayor riesgo cardiovascular (AU)

Background: physical inactivity remains a public health problem worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine compliance with physical activity (PA) recommendations developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and to analyze the association with different cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants in a sample of Spanish workers. Methods: a cross sectional analysis was carried out in a sample of 2.651 individuals (2.428 men and 133 women, aged 40-55 years old) from the Aragon Workers’ Health Study (AWHS). Sample was divided into two groups depending on whether they met PA recommendations during the last year, including transportation, leisure and occupational PA. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, pharmacological and lifestyle data were collected during the years 2011-2014. Median and interquartile range for quantitative variables and frequency distribution for categorical variables were used. Crude and adjusted binary logistic regression models were carried out to study the likelihood of meeting with PA recommendations based on the number of CVRF (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking) present. Results: 47.0% of workers complied with WHO recommendations for PA. Lower prevalence of compliance was found among those participants presenting some CVRF (39.7% in hypertensive, 38.7% in dyslipidemic and 32.7% in diabetic). Of the total study sample, 51.3% reported not performing PA or practice a light PA, 20.2% moderate and 28.5% vigorous or very vigorous PA. The likelihood of compliance with PA recommendations decreased with increasing the number of CVRF: 1 CVRF (OR: 0.62; 95%IC: 0.49-0.78), 2 CVRF (OR: 0.49; 95% IC: 0.38-0.62), 3 CVRF (OR: 0.34; 95% IC: 0.25-0.46), 4 CVRF (OR: 0.19; 95% IC: 0.11-0.32). Conclusions: compliance with recommendations of PA in our population remains insufficient, moreover in those with increased cardiovascular risk (AU)

[Cardiovascular risk factor progression in young males at 15-year follow-up in the General Military Academy of Zaragoza (AGEMZA) Study]. / Evolución de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en jóvenes varones tras 15 años de seguimiento en el estudio Academia General Militar de Zaragoza (AGEMZA).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The AGEMZA cohort comprises military men whose risk factors were studied in 1985 when they were 20 years old. As these men reached the age of 35 years, we investigated the stability of or changes in anthropometric measures, lipid levels and arterial pressure, and looked for interrelationships between any changes. METHODS: In 2000, we collected new data (by cross-sectional study) on body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, cholesterol fractions, triglycerides and blood pressure, which could be compared with the original data. Persistence or tracking was evaluated using standardized regression coefficients and odds for persistence within the same quintile. Current data were modelled using multivariate regression models. RESULTS: In the 250 subjects studied, significant changes were observed in the following variables: weight +12.1 kg, BMI +3.9 kg/m(2), cholesterol +68.0 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol -5.2 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol +57.9 mg/dL, and triglycerides +76.3 mg/dL. The degree of persistence was high for all variables, except for diastolic blood pressure. Persistence was most pronounced for BMI, cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. The changes observed indicate an increase in cardiovascular risk that adds to the effect of aging. The change in lipid profile was mainly influenced by the increase in BMI experienced, whereas blood pressure was mainly influenced by the final BMI attained. In addition, being a current smoker was associated with worse cholesterol fractions and triglyceride levels. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular risk factors increase during the third decade of the life. Early evaluation (after adolescence) enables the identification of individuals who will later be at an increased risk. Modifiable risk factors were identified, such as weight increase and smoking. Preventive measures should be designed for these groups.

Evolución de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en jóvenes varones tras 15 años de seguimiento en el estudio Academia General Militar de Zaragoza (AGEMZA) / Cardiovascular risk factor progression in young males at 15-Year follow-up in the General Military Academy of Zaragoza (AGEMZA) Study

Introducción y objetivos. La cohorte AGEMZA son varones militares cuyos factores de riesgo fueron estudiados en 1985 a la edad de 20 años. A la edad de 35 años se estudian la antropometría, los lípidos y la presión arterial y se investiga su estabilidad, sus cambios y la interdependencia en su evolución. Métodos. En 2000, se obtuvieron datos (encuesta transversal) que se compararon con los originales: índice de masa corporal (IMC), colesterol y sus fracciones, triglicéridos y presiones arteriales. La persistencia o tracking se evalúa mediante el coeficiente de regresión estandarizado y la permanencia en quintiles. Se crearon modelos de regresión multivariante para los datos actuales. Resultados. Tras estudiar a 250 sujetos, se observaron modificaciones significativas de los siguientes factores: peso, +12,1 kg; IMC, +3,9 kg/m², colesterol, +68,0 mg/dl; colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad, -­5,2 mg/dl; colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL), +57,9 mg/dl, y triglicéridos, +76,3 mg/dl. Todos los factores presentaron una persistencia elevada, excepto la presión arterial diastólica. Es más pronunciada la persistencia de IMC, colesterol y cLDL. Estos cambios suponen un peor riesgo cardiovascular independientemente de la diferente edad. El perfil de lípidos se vio influido por el incremento del IMC experimentado y los valores de presión arterial por el IMC alcanzado. Ser fumador activo también se asoció a peores valores de las fracciones de colesterol y triglicéridos. Conclusiones. Durante la tercera década de la vida los factores de riesgo cardiovascular se incrementan. Estudios precoces (en la postadolescencia) permiten identificar sujetos con mayor riesgo posterior. Se constató la influencia en el perfil final de circunstancias modificables (incremento ponderal, tabaquismo). Es razonable planificar medidas preventivas orientadas a estos colectivos

Introduction and objectives. The AGEMZA cohort comprises military men whose risk factors were studied in 1985 when they were 20 years old. As these men reached the age of 35 years, we investigated the stability of or changes in anthropometric measures, lipid levels and arterial pressure, and looked for interrelationships between any changes. Methods. In 2000, we collected new data (by cross-sectional study) on body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, cholesterol fractions, triglycerides and blood pressure, which could be compared with the original data. Persistence or tracking was evaluated using standardized regression coefficients and odds for persistence within the same quintile. Current data were modelled using multivariate regression models. Results. In the 250 subjects studied, significant changes were observed in the following variables: weight +12.1 kg, BMI +3.9 kg/m², cholesterol +68.0 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol ­-5.2 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol +57.9 mg/dL, and triglycerides +76.3 mg/dL. The degree of persistence was high for all variables, except for diastolic blood pressure. Persistence was most pronounced for BMI, cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. The changes observed indicate an increase in cardiovascular risk that adds to the effect of aging. The change in lipid profile was mainly influenced by the increase in BMI experienced, whereas blood pressure was mainly influenced by the final BMI attained. In addition, being a current smoker was associated with worse cholesterol fractions and triglyceride levels. Conclusions. Cardiovascular risk factors increase during the third decade of the life. Early evaluation (after adolescence) enables the identification of individuals who will later be at an increased risk. Modifiable risk factors were identified, such as weight increase and smoking. Preventive measures should be designed for these groups

Temas de actualidad en cardiología preventiva: el síndrome metabólico / Current Topics in Cardiovascular Prevention: the Metabolic Syndrome

Se citan los principales ensayos clínicos en prevención cardiovascular concluidos en el último año. Se revisan el concepto y la fisiopatología del síndrome metabólico, su prevalencia en nuestro medio, los medios diagnósticos más adecuados y la necesidad de establecer medidas preventivas (AU)

This paper refers to the main clinical trials in cardiovascular prevention in the previous year. Further, it reviews the concept and pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome, its prevalence in our setting, the most appropriate diagnosis and the need to establish preventive measures (AU)

Síndrome metabólico. Concepto y fisiopatología / Metabolic syndrome. Characteristics and pathophysiology

En la fisiopatología del síndrome metabólico (SM) se imbrican alteraciones en el metabolismo glucolipídico, estados proinflamatorios y protrombóticos. El vínculo entre todas ellas se atribuye a la resistencia insulínica (RI), favorecida por el aumento de ácidos grasos libres, muchas veces relacionado con el sobrepeso. Este estado provoca trastornos en la utilización de glucosa celular, así como desregulación de su producción hepática. El metabolismo lipídico presenta también las consecuencias de la RI, que desembocan en las alteraciones características del SM: hipertrigliceridemia e hipocolesterolemia HDL. La hipertensión se relaciona con diferentes mecanismos como consecuencia de alteraciones en la vía de la insulina y en la regulación del sistema nervioso vegetativo. Además de las repercusiones en el desarrollo de la aterosclerosis, últimamente se han relacionado el SM y la RI con otras enfermedades, como el hígado graso no alcohólico y el síndrome del ovario poliquístico (AU)

The pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome involves altered glucose and lipid metabolism, and proinflammatory and prothrombotic states. All of these abnormalities appear to be linked to insulin resistance, which is associated with an increase in the free fatty acid level, usually due to obesity. This condition disturbs cellular glucose management and hepatic synthesis. In addition, lipid metabolism is also impaired by insulin resistance. In these circumstances, hypertriglyceridemia and HDL hypocholesterolemia both develop. Moreover, hypertension is related to altered insulin regulation and impaired autonomic nervous system activity. In addition to the well-demonstrated relationship with atherosclerosis, recently metabolic syndrome has also been associated with steatohepatitis and polycystic ovary syndrome (AU)

Síndrome metabólico y diabetes mellitus / Metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus

La diabetes mellitus (DM) es una enfermedad metabólica crónica que está adquiriendo en los últimos años proporciones de auténtica epidemia. Se asocia frecuentemente con obesidad, alteraciones del metabolismo lipídico y proteínico, así como con hipertensión arterial y otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular, lo que constituye el síndrome metabólico. La DM tipo 2 (DM2) es un factor de riesgo importante para la enfermedad coronaria y la aterosclerosis precoz. Su etiopatogenia es multifactorial y está muy relacionada con la resistencia insulínica (RI), que es el proceso fisiopatológico común al conjunto de factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Respecto a la prevención y el tratamiento de la DM2, es fundamental la modificación del estilo de vida, con especial hincapié en la alimentación equilibrada y la introducción del ejercicio físico aeróbico en la vida cotidiana. Cuando las pautas higiénico-dietéticas no son suficientes, se debe recurrir a fármacos que actúen sobre la diana de la resistencia insulínica, como la metformina y las tiazolidinas (AU)

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that has acquired the nature of an epidemic in recent years. It is frequently associated with obesity, abnormalities of the lipid and protein metabolism, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors, which are often clustered together in the metabolic syndrome. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for coronary disease and premature atherosclerosis. It has a multifactorial pathogenesis and it is closely linked to insulin resistance, which is also involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. One fundamental intervention for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus is lifestyle modification, in particular the adoption of a balanced diet and the inclusion of aerobic physical activity in daily life. When these measures are insufficient, the use of drugs that target insulin resistance, such as metformin and thiazolidinediones, is necessary (AU)