Device-measured Physical Activity Is Inversely Associated With Framingham Risk Score In Females Aged 50+Years

Rebecca A.G. Christensen1, Stephanie Small1, Elia Rishis1, Alexandra Dojutrek1, Olivia Lee1, Alexa Govette1, Sasha High3, Catherine M. Sabiston1, Sarah Neil-Sztramiko2, Jenna B Gillen1, Amy A Kirkham11University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada2McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada3High Metabolic Clinic, Toronto, Ontario Canada PURPOSE: Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is a clinical tool used to predict an individual’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the next 10 years. Despite the well-established dose-response relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and CVD risk, the FRS does not include physical activity (PA). The objective of this study was to examine the association between device-measured PA and FRS in older (>50 years) females. METHODS: Peri- and postmenopausal females ≥50 years with no history of CVD were recruited across Ontario, Canada. PA and sedentary time were measured by PA tracker worn continuously for 4-7 days. The 10-year FRS (%) was calculated using self-reported age and blood pressure treatment status as well as device-measured systolic blood pressure and lipid profile. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association of PA and/or sedentary time with FRS. Models were adjusted for ethnicity, income, and body mass index. SUMMARY OF RESULTS: To-date, 97 participants enrolled (age 60 ± 6 y, FRS 10.6 ± 5.5% with range 2.8-30.0%). In the fully adjusted model, daily step counts (p < 0.02) and weekly MVPA (p < 0.04) but not light PA (p > 0.05), or sedentary time (p > 0.05) were associated with a lower FRS. Each additional 30 minutes of MPVA/week and 1000 steps/day were associated with a 0.2 and 0.5 percentage point lower FRS, respectively. For example, 5000 steps/day was associated with a 10-year FRS of 11.5%, whereas the common threshold of 10,000 steps/day was associated with a 2.5 percentage point lower 10-year FRS of 9.0%. CONCLUSION: Weekly MVPA and daily steps are associated with lower 10-year risk of CVD as estimated by FRS. Given this inverse relationship between FRS and PA, adapting the FRS to incorporate a score for PA may improve its accuracy in determining CVD risk. Supported by CCS and CIHR