RESUMO
The aim of this study was to compare activity patterns and leisure time between matched groups of patients with cardiovascular disease and individuals without a heart disease. The study included 100 patients recruited from those referred to cardiology department of 5th Azar General Hospital of Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Gorgan (South East of Caspian Sea) and 100 matched control subjects during the period 2007-2008. Odds ratios (OR), together with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), were calculated using logistic regression, as estimates of relative risks. Listening to music OR = 8.800 (95% CI: 2.717-28.499, p<0.05), meditation OR = 6.111 (95% CI; 2.616-14.274, p<0.05) were independent risk factors. Subjects who performed 2 h per week and 2-4 h per week physical activity, the odds ratios were 0.038 (95% CI: 0.012-0.124, p<0.05) and 0.079, (95% CI: 0.024-0.260, p<0.05), respectively. Low physical activity and use of long time relaxation are associated with cardiovascular disease in these patients. Regular participation in physical activity such as walking 2 h per week and 2-4 h per week, are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This study suggests the importance of both leisure-time physical activity and sedentary behaviors in the prevention of CVD.
