Impact of physical activity and body composition on cardio-vascular health post-COVID-19 in Guayaquil

The COVID-19 pandemic has left persistent health consequences among survivors, particularly cardiovascular complications. In this context, understanding the role of physical activity and body composition in recovery is crucial. This study aimed to analyze the impact of physical activity and body composition on cardiovascular health in COVID-19 survivors in Guayaquil, Ecuador. A cross-sectional, quantitative, and multivariate study was conducted with a sample of 200 health sciences students who had recovered from COVID-19. Data were collected through validated questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, including BMI, body fat percentage, and blood pressure. Statistical analyses included Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering to identify latent patterns and subgroups. The results showed that higher frequency and intensity of physical activity were significantly associated with better cardiovascular indicators and improved post-COVID-19 recovery. Individuals with unfavorable body composition, particularly high body fat, had increased cardiovascular risk. PCA identified two main components explaining 78.2% of the variance, while K-means revealed three distinct health profiles among participants. In conclusion, physical activity and body composition are critical factors influencing cardiovascular health in post-COVID-19 individuals. The findings highlight the need for tailored intervention strategies focused on promoting active lifestyles and body composition control to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes. These insights are particularly relevant for vulnerable urban populations in Latin America.