Exercise and Diet and the Risk for Heart and Blood Vessel Disease

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Petrella RJ, Lattanzio CN, Demeray A, et al.:, Can Adoption of Regular Exercise Later in Life Prevent Metabolic Risk for Cardiovascular Disease? Diabetes Care 28:694-701, 2005.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Over the past 10 years, older adults have been at greater risk for getting cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. Researchers think it's because many adults don’t exercise enough or eat a healthy diet, which increases the risks for hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions lead to disease of the heart and blood vessels.

Recent studies have shown that small lifestyle changes, such as an exercise routine, can prevent or lessen the conditions that lead to heart and blood vessel disease in older adults.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to know if older adults who started an exercise routine could lower their risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Who was studied?

Researchers from the Canadian Center for Activity and Aging studied information about blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides (stored fats in the body) from 161 active adults and 136 sedentary (inactive) adults. Their ages ranged from 55 to 77 years.

How was the study done?

Older adults from London, Ontario, Canada, were put in two groups. One group was "active," and participated in a supervised exercise program two times per week. The other group was “sedentary.” Both groups were watched for the effects of aging and exercise. Adults in the sedentary group didn’t have to attend exercise sessions, but were allowed to exercise if they wanted to. The study lasted more than 10 years, and researchers compared information on obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol in both groups.

What did the researchers find?

Researchers found that regular exercise can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and glucose levels. Also important was how hard the subjects exercised. People who exercised harder were healthier. Activities such as walking made subjects more fit and helped them control their blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

What are the limitations of the study?

Things such as diet were not studied and could have affected the results. For example, people in the active group might have been eating a healthier diet, which might have helped lower their risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

What are the implications of the study?

As people get older, they tend to become less active, leading to increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. To prevent these things, older adults should exercise regularly. This will help prevent heart and blood vessel disease.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Stroke

The “I Hate to Exercise” Book for People With Diabetes, by Charlotte Hayes

“Live Fit: A Family Friend Guide to Getting More Physical Activity.”Diabetes Forecast, March 2005, p. 49-65