The effect of physical activity on some cardiovascular risk factors and ankle-brachial blood pressure index of middle-aged people

Changing the lifestyle towards inactivity and low physical activity increases the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of physical activity on some cardiovascular risk factors, body mass index and ankle-brachial blood pressure index of middle-aged people of Shahid Rajaei University.

The statistical sample included 81 male and female employees of Shahid Rajaee University of Education, Tehran. The age range of the subjects was between 26 and 58 years. The physical activity of the subjects was measured through a researcher-made questionnaire. Fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles were measured by special test strips. The ankle-brachial blood pressure index of the subjects was also evaluated to evaluate peripheral artery disease. Data analysis was done using one-sample t, independent t and Pearson correlation test at a significance level of 0.05.

Statistical analysis showed that blood sugar, blood lipid profile, brachial ankle index, and body mass index of university employees were within the normal range, except for the triglyceride level, which was in the borderline risk range. In all research variables, no significant difference was observed between university employees and professors (P 0.05). There is a significant negative correlation between cardiovascular risk factors (total cholesterol levels, blood triglyceride, LDL-C) and ankle-brachial blood pressure index with the subjects' physical activity level (P0.05).

Based on the findings of this research, it can be said that as the amount of physical activity increases in both groups of middle-aged university professors and staff, the amount of measured cardiovascular risk factors and ankle-brachial blood pressure index decreases and vice versa. . Therefore, middle-aged people can be advised to do regular and daily light physical activity such as walking in order to improve cardiovascular risk factors and lower limb artery disease.