ASSOCIATIONS AMONG BASE-LINE PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND SUBSEQUENT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK-FACTORS

To determine stability of cross-sectional associations between physica l activity and cardiovascular risk factors and provide information reg arding possible independent effects of physical activity on reduced ca rdiovascular disease, this report examined associations among baseline physical activity and risk factors measured over 15 yr. Subjects were 1,379 Honolulu Heart Program participants who were evaluated at basel ine and three subsequent examinations. For men initially 45-54 yr, hig her physical activity level was significantly associated cross-section ally and at 2 yr with lower diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and skinfold thicknesses, and at 5 yr with higher high density lipopr otein (HDL) cholesterol. By the 15-yr examination, only associations b etween physical activity level and skinfold thicknesses remained signi ficant. For men 55-68 yr, significant cross-sectional and 2-yr associa tions were found between higher physical activity level and lower skin fold thicknesses, and higher HDL cholesterol at 5 yr. Higher physical activity continued to be associated with lower skinfold thicknesses an d was related to lower systolic blood pressure by the 15-yr examinatio n. Results suggest that most cross-sectional associations between phys ical activity and risk factors diminish over time, providing support f or prospective investigations that find physical activity has a benefi cial effect on reduced cardiovascular disease partially independent of traditional risk factors.