Key result
Moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with a less pronounced orthostatic systolic blood pressure increase (Beta 0.12, p<0.01) and a more pronounced diastolic blood pressure increase.
Why the study?
The role of physical activity on orthostatic blood pressure reactions and its relationship to subclinical atherosclerosis was unclear.
Does physical activity level affect orthostatic blood pressure reactions and modify their relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged adults?
Cross-Sectional (n=5,396)
No
Does physical activity level affect orthostatic blood pressure reactions and modify their relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis in middle-aged adults?
Effect estimate: Beta 0.12
p-value: p=<0.01
Higher physical activity is associated with a less pronounced orthostatic systolic blood pressure increase but does not modify the link between orthostatic blood pressure and subclinical atherosclerosis.
PA does not modify orthostatic BP-atherosclerosis associations; leaves open causal roles in middle-aged adults.
An abnormal blood pressure (BP) response on standing is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The role of physical activity (PA) on orthostatic BP-reactions and its relation to subclinical atherosclerosis is unclear. We aimed to assess the association between PA and orthostatic BP-reactions, and whether PA modifies the relationship between orthostatic BP-reactions and subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 5,396 middle aged subjects from the population-based SCAPIS-study were included. Associations between orthostatic BP-response and accelerometer-derived PA were studied using linear regression. Interaction analyses were performed to study modifying effects of PA on the relationship between orthostatic BP-response and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, assessed by coronary artery calcium score (CACS). Moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was associated with less pronounced orthostatic systolic BP (SBP) increase but more pronounced orthostatic diastolic BP increase after adjusting for age, sex, total wear time, proportion weekend days and season (Beta per 1%-increase(mmHg):0.12; p = <0.01 and -0.06; p = 0.02, respectively). Subjects with high MVPA were less likely to have orthostatic hypertension (OHTN), but more likely to have orthostatic hypotension (OH; p = 0.002 for both). Individuals with higher CACS were more likely to have OH (p = 0.041) but not OHTN (p = 0.276). There were no interactions of PA on the association between orthostatic BP-response and CACS. In conclusion, physically active middle-aged individuals are less likely to show inappropriate SBP-increase upon standing, but more likely to have excessive SBP-decrease. PA does not modify the association between orthostatic BP-response and subclinical atherosclerosis. The relationship between PA, orthostatic BP and CVD is likely to be complex.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kharraziha et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Orthostatic blood pressure reactions and subclinical atherosclerosis (n=5,396). Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) vs. Lower physical activity / Sedentary time was evaluated on Orthostatic systolic blood pressure (SBP) change (delta SBP) (Beta 0.12, p=<0.01). Moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with a less pronounced orthostatic systolic blood pressure increase (Beta 0.12, p<0.01) and a more pronounced diastolic blood pressure increase.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: