Sato K, et al. – This study tested the validity of a presumed association between an increased interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) and reduced physical activity in older people. Findings demonstrated that IASBPD in older individuals could be predicted by physical activity simply assessed by moving ability. In addition, in these subjects, progression of silent or clinical atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease might be indicated by reduced physical activity.

Methods

• In this study, researchers enrolled older people who used a geriatric health services facility (n = 147, mean age 83.3 years).
• They investigated the prevalence of IASBPD in individuals with different levels of physical activity and factors that have a crucial effect on IASBPD.
• Furthermore, they categorized study participants into 3 groups according to their physical activity; ambulant persons (group A), wheelchair users (group B) and bedridden persons (group C).
• Blood pressure around the both brachiums was simultaneously measured using two automated devices.
• An IASBPD of ≥10 mmHg was considered to be significant IASBPD.

Results

• Findings reported that the median IASBPD was 4.5 mmHg in the present study participants, and 28 participants (19.0%) had an IASBPD ≥10 mmHg.
• Researchers observed that the IASBPD in group C was greater than that in group A or B.
• In addition, multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that physical activity was the independent predictor of IASBPD after adjustment for possible factors.
• A logistic regression analysis with the end-point of significant IASBPD showed that physical activity is an independent predictor of significant IASBPD.