2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains. RESULTS: Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Prospective Association of Daily Steps With Cardiovascular Disease: A Harmonized Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Taking fewer than the widely promoted "10 000 steps per day" has recently been associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. The relationship of steps and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk remains poorly described. A meta-analysis examining the dose-response relationship between steps per day and CVD can help inform clinical and public health guidelines. METHODS: Eight prospective studies (20 152 adults [ie, ≥18 years of age]) were included with device-measured steps and participants followed for CVD events. Studies quantified steps per day and CVD events were defined as fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were completed using study-specific quartiles and hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI were meta-analyzed with inverse-variance-weighted random effects models. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 63.2±12.4 years and 52% were women. The mean follow-up was 6.2 years (123 209 person-years), with a total of 1523 CVD events (12.4 per 1000 participant-years) reported. There was a significant difference in the association of steps per day and CVD between older (ie, ≥60 years of age) and younger adults (ie, <60 years of age). For older adults, the HR for quartile 2 was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.93), 0.62 for quartile 3 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.74), and 0.51 for quartile 4 (95% CI, 0.41 to 0.63) compared with the lowest quartile. For younger adults, the HR for quartile 2 was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.46 to 1.35), 0.90 for quartile 3 (95% CI, 0.64 to 1.25), and 0.95 for quartile 4 (95% CI, 0.61 to 1.48) compared with the lowest quartile. Restricted cubic splines demonstrated a nonlinear association whereby more steps were associated with decreased risk of CVD among older adults. CONCLUSIONS: For older adults, taking more daily steps was associated with a progressively decreased risk of CVD. Monitoring and promoting steps per day is a simple metric for clinician-patient communication and population health to reduce the risk of CVD.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains. RESULTS: Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Maternal physical activity, sitting, and risk of non-cardiac birth defects.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between maternal physical activity (PA)/sitting and birth defects is largely unexplored. We examined whether pre-pregnancy PA/sitting were associated with having a pregnancy affected by a birth defect. METHODS: We used data from two United States population-based case-control studies: 2008-2011 deliveries from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS; 9 states) and 2014-2018 deliveries from the Birth Defects Study To Evaluate Pregnancy exposureS (BD-STEPS; 7 states). Cases with one of 12 non-cardiac birth defects (n = 3798) were identified through population-based registries. Controls (n = 2682) were live-born infants without major birth defects randomly sampled using vital/hospital records. Mothers self-reported pre-pregnancy PA/sitting. Unconditional logistic regression models estimated associations between PA/sitting categories and the 12 birth defects. RESULTS: Mothers engaging in pre-pregnancy PA was associated with a reduced odds of five (spina bifida, cleft palate, anorectal atresia, hypospadias, transverse limb deficiency) and a higher odds of two (anencephaly, gastroschisis) birth defects. Mothers spending less time sitting in pre-pregnancy was associated with a reduced odds of two (anorectal atresia, hypospadias) and a higher odds of one (cleft lip with or without cleft palate) birth defect. CONCLUSIONS: Reasonable next steps include replication of these findings, improved exposure assessment, and elucidation of biologic mechanisms. IMPACT: Using data from two population-based case-control studies, we found that mothers engaging in different types of physical activity in the 3 months before pregnancy had an infant with a reduced odds of five and a higher odds of two birth defects. Mothers spending less time sitting in the 3 months before pregnancy had an infant with a reduced odds of two and a higher odds of one birth defect. Clarification and confirmation from additional studies are needed using more precise exposure measures, distinguishing occupational from leisure-time physical activity, and elucidation of mechanisms supporting these associations.

Pre-exercise protein intake is associated with reduced time in hypoglycaemia among adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

AIM: Secondary analyses were conducted from a randomized trial of an adaptive behavioural intervention to assess the relationship between protein intake (g and g/kg) consumed within 4 h before moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) bouts and glycaemia during and following MVPA bouts among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adolescents (n = 112) with T1D, 14.5 (13.8, 15.7) years of age and 36.6% overweight/obese, provided measures of glycaemia using continuous glucose monitoring [percentage of time above range (>180 mg/dl), time in range (70-180 mg/dl), time below range (TBR; <70 mg/dl)], self-reported physical activity (previous day physical activity recalls), and 24 h dietary recall data at baseline and 6 months post-intervention. Mixed effects regression models adjusted for design (randomization assignment, study site), demographic, clinical, anthropometric, dietary, physical activity and timing covariates estimated the association between pre-exercise protein intake on percentage of time above range, time in range and TBR during and following MVPA. RESULTS: Pre-exercise protein intakes of 10-19.9 g and >20 g were associated with an absolute reduction of -4.41% (p = .04) and -4.83% (p = .02) TBR during physical activity compared with those who did not consume protein before MVPA. Similarly, relative protein intakes of 0.125-0.249 g/kg and ≥0.25 g/kg were associated with -5.38% (p = .01) and -4.32% (p = .03) absolute reductions in TBR during physical activity. We did not observe a significant association between protein intake and measures of glycaemia following bouts of MVPA. CONCLUSIONS: Among adolescents with T1D, a dose of ≥10 g or ≥0.125 g/kg of protein within 4 h before MVPA may promote reduced time in hypoglycaemia during, but not following, physical activity.

Perception and reality: The mismatch between absolute and relative physical activity intensity during pregnancy and postpartum in United States women.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether a mismatch between absolute physical activity intensity (PAI) and relative self-reported PAI exists during pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS: Women from the PIN3/Postpartum study completed physical activity questionnaires during pregnancy (n = 770; Trimester 2: T2, Trimester 3: T3) and postpartum (n = 181; 3 months: PP3, 12 months PP12) (2001-2005). Activities women engaged in were assigned Metabolic Equivalent (MET) values for absolute intensity; women self-reported perceived exertion (using the Borg scale) for each activity to provide relative intensity. Hierarchical regression models were used to determine whether a mismatch between absolute and relative PAI (for moderate or vigorous physical activity (MPA; VPA)) differed during pregnancy and postpartum. Models were adjusted for socio-demographic factors. RESULTS: Women commonly overestimated the amount of MPA and VPA they engaged in [T2 MPA mean 60.5 min/week (49.1, 72.0), VPA 3.7 (-1.4, 8.8); T3: MPA 47.7 (38.9, 56.4), 2.9 (-1.7, 7.4); PP3: MPA 69.5 (43.9, 95.1), VPA 15.8 (1.8, 29.7); PP12: MPA 42.20 (26.8, 57.6), VPA 2.75 (-7.8, 12.9)]. Women overestimated both MPA and VPA to a lesser extent at T3 compared to T2 (MPA: ß for difference:-12.6 [95%CI: -26.0, -0.9]; VPA: -0.9 [-6.4, 4.6]). Women continued to overestimate their MPA at PP3 and PP12. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to absolute PAI, perceived PAI was greater for MPA compared to VPA and differences persisted from pregnancy through postpartum. Future research should focus on how perceptions relate to women's actual physiological capacity and whether this mismatch influences the amount of physical activity women engage in during the transition to motherhood.

Associations of steps per day and step intensity with the risk of cancer: Findings from the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Accumulating more steps/day is associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality and composite cancer outcomes. However, less is known about the relationship of steps/day with the risk of multiple site-specific cancers. METHODS: This study included >22,000 women from the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration Cohort (2011-2022), comprised of women from the Women's Health Study and Women's Health Initiative Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health Study. Steps/day and step intensity were collected with accelerometry. Incident cancer cases and deaths were adjudicated. Stratified Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the associations of steps/day and step intensity with incident breast, colon, endometrial, lung, and ovarian cancers, a composite of 13 physical activity-related cancers, total invasive cancer, and fatal cancer. RESULTS: On average, women were 73.4 years old, accumulated 4993 steps/day, and had 7.9 years of follow-up. There were small nonsignificant inverse associations with the risks of colon cancer (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.83, 1.05), endometrial cancer (HR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.01), and fatal cancer (HR = 0.95 95% CI: 0.90, 1.00) per 1000 steps/day. More minutes at ≥40 steps/min and a faster peak 10- and 30-min step cadence were associated with a lower risk of endometrial cancer, but findings were attenuated after adjustment for body mass index and steps/day. CONCLUSIONS: Among women 62-97 years, there were small nonsignificant inverse associations of colon, endometrial, and fatal cancer with more steps/day. Epidemiologic studies with longer follow-up and updated assessments are needed to further explore these associations.

Community and multisector partner engagement in US Vision Zero plan development.

BACKGROUND: Vision Zero aims to eliminate serious and fatal road injuries using a Safe System approach. Safe System principles establish that safety is a shared responsibility; this involves both multisector partners and community engagement. This descriptive study explored multisector partners and community engagement in the development of municipal Vision Zero plans. METHODS: We reviewed all first edition Vision Zero plans published by US municipalities from 2014 to 2022. Using a structured coding tool, we abstracted partner involvement and community engagement strategies used in the development of Vision Zero plans. RESULTS: We identified, reviewed and abstracted 64 plans. The average number of partner groups per plan was 11.5 (12.0 for municipalities with a population ≥150 000; 10.1 for municipalities <150 000) and was higher for later plans (11.9 for plans published 2019-2022; 10.0 for plans published 2014-2018). Common partner groups engaged in the plan were law enforcement (85.9% of plans), local transportation planning (78.3%), mayor/city council/city manager (78.1%), engineering/public works (78.1%) and schools (73.4%). Community engagement strategies were reported in 71.9% of the plans and were more frequent among municipalities with a population ≥150 000 (76.1%) compared with a population <150 000 (61.1%), and in those with more recent plans (82.1%) versus earlier ones (56.0%). The most common community engagement strategies were public meetings, online surveys and map mark-ups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the extent to which Vision Zero plans were aligned with core Safe System tenets regarding diverse partner involvement and community engagement. Plan developers should consider the translation of Safe System principles in Vision Zero plan development.

Public Health Involvement in United States' Vision Zero Initiatives: A Mixed-Methods Study.

CONTEXT: Vision Zero (VZ) aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from road traffic crashes to zero through multidisciplinary coordination. While public health officials are often recognized as critical to VZ, their involvement in VZ across the United States has not been quantified. OBJECTIVE: To explore how United States public health officials were involved in VZ development and implementation. DESIGN: We used a mixed-method design including a quantitative assessment of VZ plans and in-depth interviewing with VZ coordinators. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two in-depth interviews with municipal (n = 12) and regional (n = 10) VZ coordinators and 43 VZ plans were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Public health involvement in VZ development and implementation. RESULTS: In the United States, 64 municipalities and 21 regional entities had first-time VZ plans published between 2014 and 2022. We abstracted a sample of municipal (n = 22) and all (n = 21) regional plans. Most plans described key groups involved in plan development (municipal 81.8%, regional 100%). About two-thirds (67.4%; 59.1% municipal, 76.2% regional) of the plans noted public health officials in the plan development. Most plans described the principles forming the foundation of their plan (83.7%), but few mentioned public health as part of the plan principles (22.7% municipal, 14.3% regional). Public health officials were involved in engaging the community (9.1% municipal, 33.3% regional) and providing data (22.7% municipal, 52.4% regional) for plan development, as documented in the plans. For proposed implementation, public health officials were identified as involved in: community engagement (31.8% municipal, 42.9% regional), sharing/analyzing data (40.9% municipal, 33.3% regional), and identifying/providing funding sources (13.6% municipal, 4.8% regional). The in-depth interviews provided further context and a more detailed understanding of public health involvement in VZ. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from the VZ plans and interviews provided examples of how public health officials engaged in the development and implementation of VZ initiatives.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy. RESULTS: Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Accelerometer-measured physical activity and postmenopausal breast cancer incidence in the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined accelerometer-measured physical activity and incident breast cancer (BC). Thus, this study examined associations between accelerometer-measured vector magnitude counts per 15 seconds (VM/15s) and average daily minutes of light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and total PA (TPA) and BC risk among women in the Women's Health Accelerometry Collaboration (WHAC). METHODS: The WHAC comprised 21,089 postmenopausal women (15,375 from the Women's Health Study [WHS]; 5714 from the Women's Health Initiative Objective Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health Study [OPACH]). Women wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ on the hip for ≥4 days and were followed for 7.4 average years to identify physician-adjudicated in situ (n = 94) or invasive (n = 546) BCs. Multivariable stratified Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for tertiles of physical activity measures in association with incident BC overall and by cohort. Effect measure modification was examined by age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: In covariate-adjusted models, the highest (vs. lowest) tertiles of VM/15s, TPA, LPA, and MVPA were associated with BC HRs of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.64-0.99), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.69-1.02), 0.89 (95% CI, 0.73-1.08), and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.64-1.01), respectively. Further adjustment for BMI or physical function attenuated these associations. Associations were more pronounced among OPACH than WHS women for VM/15s, MVPA, and TPA; younger than older women for MVPA; and women with BMI ≥30 than <30 kg/m2 for LPA. CONCLUSION: Greater levels of accelerometer-assessed PA were associated with lower BC risk. Associations varied by age and obesity and were not independent of BMI or physical function.

Prioritizing a research agenda on built environments and physical activity: a twin panel Delphi consensus process with researchers and knowledge users.

BACKGROUND: The growth of urban dwelling populations globally has led to rapid increases of research and policy initiatives addressing associations between the built environment and physical activity (PA). Given this rapid proliferation, it is important to identify priority areas and research questions for moving the field forward. The objective of this study was to identify and compare research priorities on the built environment and PA among researchers and knowledge users (e.g., policy makers, practitioners). METHODS: Between September 2022 and April 2023, a three-round, modified Delphi survey was conducted among two independent panels of international researchers (n = 38) and knowledge users (n = 23) to identify similarities and differences in perceived research priorities on the built environment and PA and generate twin 'top 10' lists of the most important research needs. RESULTS: From a broad range of self-identified issues, both panels ranked in common the most pressing research priorities including stronger study designs such as natural experiments, research that examines inequalities and inequities, establishing the cost effectiveness of interventions, safety and injuries related to engagement in active transportation (AT), and considerations for climate change and climate adaptation. Additional priorities identified by researchers included: implementation science, research that incorporates Indigenous perspectives, land-use policies, built environments that support active aging, and participatory research. Additional priorities identified by knowledge users included: built environments and PA among people living with disabilities and a need for national data on trip chaining, multi-modal travel, and non-work or school-related AT. CONCLUSIONS: Five common research priorities between the two groups emerged, including (1) to better understand causality, (2) interactions with the natural environment, (3) economic evaluations, (4) social disparities, and (5) preventable AT-related injuries. The findings may help set directions for future research, interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborations, and funding opportunities.

A scoping review on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and sedentary behavior in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: In Saudi Arabia, stay-at-home orders to address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic between March 15 and 23, 2020 and eased on May 28, 2020. We conducted a scoping review to systematically describe physical activity and sedentary behavior in Saudi Arabia associated with the timing of the lockdown. METHODS: We searched six databases on December 13, 2021 for articles published in English or Arabic from 2018 to the search date. Studies must have reported data from Saudi Arabia for any age and measured physical activity or sedentary behavior. RESULTS: Overall, 286 records were found; after excluding duplicates, 209 records were screened, and 19 studies were included in the review. Overall, 15 studies were cross-sectional, and 4 studies were prospective cohorts. Three studies included children and adolescents (age: 2-18 years), and 16 studies included adults (age: 15-99 years). Data collection periods were < = 5 months, with 17 studies collecting data in 2020 only, one study in 2020-2021, and one study in 2021. The median analytic sample size was 363 (interquartile range 262-640). Three studies of children/adolescents collected behaviors online at one time using parental reporting, with one also allowing self-reporting. All three studies found that physical activity was lower during and/or following the lockdown than before the lockdown. Two studies found screen time, television watching, and playing video games were higher during or following the lockdown than before the lockdown. Sixteen adult studies assessed physical activity, with 15 utilizing self-reporting and one using accelerometry. Physical activity, exercise, walking, and park visits were all lower during or following the lockdown than before the lockdown. Six adult studies assessed sedentary behavior using self-report. Sitting time (4 studies) and screen time (2 studies) were higher during or following the lockdown than before the lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: Among children, adolescents, and adults, studies consistently indicated that in the short-term, physical activity decreased and sedentary behavior increased in conjunction with the movement restrictions. Given the widespread impact of the pandemic on other health behaviors, it would be important to continue tracking behaviors post-lockdown and identify subpopulations that may not have returned to their physical activity and sedentary behavior to pre-pandemic levels to focus on intervention efforts.

Characterizing longitudinal change in accelerometry-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and the Framingham Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity promotes health and is particularly important during middle and older age for decreasing morbidity and mortality. We assessed the correlates of changes over time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in Hispanic/Latino adults from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL: mean [SD] age 49.2 y [11.5]) and compared them to a cohort of primarily White adults from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS: mean [SD] 46.9 y [9.2]). METHODS: Between 2008 and 2019, we assessed accelerometry-based MVPA at two time points with an average follow-up of: 7.6 y, SD 1.3 for HCHS/SOL, and 7.8 y, SD 0.7 for FHS. We used multinomial logistic regression to relate socio-demographic and health behaviors with changes in compliance with 2018 US recommendations for MVPA from time 1 to time 2 (remained active or inactive; became active or inactive) across the two cohorts. RESULTS: In HCHS/SOL mean MVPA was 22.6 (SD, 23.8) minutes at time 1 and dropped to 16.7 (19.0) minutes at time 2. In FHS Mean MVPA was 21.7 min (SD, 17.7) at time 1 and dropped to 21.3 min (SD, 19.2) at time 2. Across both cohorts, odds of meeting MVPA guidelines over time were about 6% lower in individuals who had lower quality diets vs. higher, about half in older vs. younger adults, about three times lower in women vs. men, and 9% lower in individuals who had a higher vs. lower BMI at baseline. Cohorts differed in how age, gender, income, education, depressive symptoms, marital status and perception of general health and pain associated with changes in physical activity. High income older Hispanics/Latino adults were more likely to become inactive at the follow-up visit as were HCHS/SOL women who were retired and FHS participants who had lower levels of education and income. Higher depressive symptomology was associated with becoming active only in HCHS/SOL women. Being male and married was associated with becoming inactive in both cohorts. Higher perception of general health and lower perception of pain were associated with remaining active only in FHS adults. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight potentially high-risk groups for targeted MVPA intervention.

The association between physical activity and sleep during pregnancy: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Pregnant women frequently report experiencing poor sleep. Poor sleep during pregnancy is associated with negative health outcomes for both mother and baby. Physical activity (PA), including exercise may be an effective non-pharmacological strategy for improving sleep during pregnancy. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the current literature on the association between physical activity (including exercise) and sleep during pregnancy. METHOD: A systematic online search was undertaken between 15-16 February 2022 in PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase and PubMed. To meet the inclusion criteria articles had to; [1] be published in a peer reviewed journal; [2] consist of pregnant participants; and [3] be published in English. Studies were excluded if they were not published in English and did not investigate the association between a type of physical activity (including exercise) and a sleep variable during a trimester of pregnancy. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in this review. Five of the ten studies used observational data collection measures and the remaining five used intervention based methods. Eight of the ten included studies found PA (including exercise) was positively associated with sleep during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: In order to properly establish PA as a strategy to improve sleep during pregnancy, future research should aim to determine the PA characteristics most beneficial to sleep during pregnancy across each trimester.

Association Between Change in Physical Activity During Pregnancy and Infant Birth Weight.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether total, recreational, and non-recreational physical activity (PA) assessed twice during pregnancy, and its change, were associated with infant birth weight and small for gestational age (SGA). METHODS: We included 1467 Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition 3 Study participants who self-reported PA at time 1 (T1: 17-22 weeks' gestation) and time 2 (T2: 27-30 weeks' gestation). We assessed last week absolute intensities of PA (moderate: 4.7-7.1 METs; and vigorous: > 7.1 METs) and perceived intensities. Change in hours/week of PA was assessed continuously or categorically (increase or decrease ≥ 1 hour, and no change). Associations of continuous PA hours/week at T1, T2, and its change, with sex-specific z-scores of birth weight, were assessed using multivariable linear robust regressions. We used logistic regressions to assess categorical PA measures with SGA. Models were adjusted for adequacy of maternal weight gain, general health, maternal age, parity, race/ethnicity, and smoking. RESULTS: Hours/week of total and recreational absolute intensities of PA at T1, T2, and its change were generally not associated with birth weight, although two measures of non-recreational PA at T2 and its change were associated with increased birth weight. Perceived intensities of PA (at T1, T2, and its change) were largely not associated with sex-specific z-scores of infant birth weight. Absolute and perceived intensity PA were not associated with SGA. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: In this observational cohort, increases and decreases in PA during pregnancy were not associated with differential changes in birthweight or SGA.

Public health guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy from around the world: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the known health benefits of physical activity (PA), pregnancy is a time of marked decline in PA levels. To provide women with reliable and trustworthy information, and to encourage greater participation in PA during pregnancy, many governments have developed guidelines for PA during pregnancy. Our aim was to synthesise the most recent public health guidelines on PA during pregnancy from different countries in order to understand the nature and extent of advice that is available. DESIGN: Scoping review. DATA SOURCES: Search of the grey literature, direct contact with international experts, screening of relevant academic literature and citation searching. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Public health guidelines developed or endorsed by government departments published since 2010. RESULTS: Our search located 30 eligible guidelines, published in 11 different languages. There is remarkable concordance in the advice offered. For women with uncomplicated pregnancy, guidelines recommend: 150-300 min/week of moderate intensity aerobic activity; pelvic floor and muscle strengthening exercises; modification of some exercises (eg, supine position); and provide lists of warning signs to cease activity (eg, persistent dizziness, vaginal bleeding) and activities that should be avoided (eg, if high risk of falling/collision). Few guidelines offer specific advice for highly active women (eg, athletes), or trimester-specific or culturally specific considerations. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides a summary of public health recommendations for PA during pregnancy around the world. The challenge is now to ensure that all who provide healthcare for women understand the guidelines and encourage safe participation in PA during pregnancy.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2021 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors related to cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: Each of the 27 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Burden of lymphedema in long-term breast cancer survivors by race and age.

BACKGROUND: Risk assessment for breast cancer-related lymphedema has emphasized upper-limb symptoms and treatment-related risk factors. This article examined breast cancer-related lymphedema after surgery, overall and in association with broader demographic and clinical features. METHODS: The Carolina Breast Cancer Study phase 3 followed participants for breast cancer-related lymphedema from baseline (on average, 5 months after breast cancer diagnosis) to 7 years after diagnosis. Among 2645 participants, 552 self-reported lymphedema cases were identified. Time-to-lymphedema curves and inverse probability weighted conditional Cox proportional hazards model were used to evaluate whether demographics and clinical features were associated with breast cancer-related lymphedema. RESULTS: Point prevalence of breast cancer-related lymphedema was 6.8% at baseline, and 19.9% and 23.8% at 2 and 7 years after diagnosis, respectively. Most cases had lymphedema in the arm (88%-93%), whereas 14% to 27% presented in the trunk and/or breast. Beginning approximately 10 months after diagnosis, younger Black women had the highest risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema and older non-Black women had the lowest risk. Positive lymph node status, larger tumor size (>5 cm), and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, as well as established risk factors such as higher body mass index, removal of more than five lymph nodes, mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, were significantly associated with increased hazard (1.5- to 3.5-fold) of lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight that hazard of breast cancer-related lymphedema differs by demographic characteristics and clinical features. These factors could be used to identify those at greatest need of lymphedema prevention and early intervention. LAY SUMMARY: In this study, the aim was to investigate breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) burden. This study found that risk of BCRL differs by race, age, and other characteristics.

Associations of steps per day and step intensity with the risk of diabetes: the Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

BACKGROUND: Higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity have been associated with a lower risk of diabetes, but less is known about how daily step counts (steps/day) are associated with diabetes risk. Therefore, we examined the association of steps/day and step intensity with incident diabetes. METHODS: We included 6634 adults from the population-based prospective cohort Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) (2008-2017). Cox proportional hazard models that accounted for complex survey design and sampling weights were used to estimate the association of baseline accelerometer-assessed steps/day and step intensity with 6-year risk of incident diabetes as hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We further examined whether the percent of intense steps at a given accumulation of steps/day was associated with diabetes risk, and if associations were modified by specific cohort characteristics. RESULTS: The average age of cohort members was 39 years and 52% were female. Adults had an average of 8164 steps/day and spent 12 min/day in brisk ambulation (> 100 steps/min). Over 6 years of follow-up, there were 1115 cases of diabetes. There was a suggestive lower risk of diabetes with more steps/day- adults had a 2% lower risk per 1000 steps/day (HR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.95, 1.00)). Inverse associations between average steps/day and diabetes incidence were observed across many cohort characteristics, but most importantly among adults at high risk for diabetes - those who were older, or had obesity or prediabetes. Adults who accumulated 17 min/day in brisk ambulation compared to < 2 min/day had a 31% lower risk of diabetes (HR = 0.69 (95% CI 0.53, 0.89)). A greater percent of intense steps for a given accumulation of steps/day was associated with further risk reduction. CONCLUSION: Adults who accumulate more daily steps may have a lower risk of diabetes. Accumulating more steps/day and greater step intensity appear to be important targets for preventing diabetes.