Key result
Visceral adiposity is linked to higher RHR and DBP, attenuated by regular exercise.
Why the study?
Does physical activity modify the association between visceral fat and resting heart rate or blood pressure in cardiac outpatients?
Cross-Sectional (n=203)
Does physical activity modify the association between visceral fat and resting heart rate or blood pressure in cardiac outpatients?
Effect estimate: β = 0.71 bpm per SD (95% CI 0.26-1.16)
p-value: p=0.002
In cardiac outpatients, visceral adiposity is associated with higher resting heart rate and diastolic blood pressure, but regular physical activity attenuates its impact on systolic blood pressure.
May warrant caution in interpreting visceral fat effects on sympathetic markers in outpatients; leaves open physical activity modification and needs prospective confirmation.
Background Excess visceral fat is metabolically active and linked to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and autonomic dysregulation, which may elevate resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP). Lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, could influence these autonomic effects in cardiac patients. Objective To examine the association between visceral fat and markers of sympathetic activation in cardiac outpatients, and to evaluate whether physical activity modifies these relationships. Methods In this single–visit, cross–sectional study, 203 consecutive cardiology outpatients were assessed. Visceral fat was measured using the OMRON BF511 device. SBP, DBP, and RHR were recorded twice in the clinostat position and averaged. Demographic, clinical, pharmacologic, and lifestyle data —including physical activity— were collected. Multivariable linear regression analyzed associations of visceral fat (continuous and tertiles) with RHR, SBP, and DBP, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and medications. Interaction terms tested effect modification by physical activity. Results Mean age was 62.7 ± 12.5 years; 53% were male. Patients in the highest visceral fat tertile showed significantly higher RHR (p = 0.022), SBP (p ‹ 0.001), and DBP (p ‹ 0.001). After adjustment, visceral fat remained independently associated with RHR (β = 0.71 bpm per SD; 95% CI 0.26–1.16; p = 0.002and DBP (β = 0.47 mmHg per SD; p=0.012). Sport activity showed a significant negative interaction with visceral fat on SBP (β = –1.99 mmHg, p = 0.021) and a trend toward attenuating the effect on DBP (β = –0.81 mmHg, p = 0.085), indicating that exercise mitigates the hemodynamic impact of visceral adiposity (Figure 1). Conclusion Visceral adiposity contributes to higher RHR and DBP in cardiac outpatients. Regular physical activity attenuates its effect on systolic, and potentially diastolic, blood pressure. These findings highlight the protective role of regular exercise in reducing the cardiometabolic risks linked to visceral adiposity.
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Mahmoud et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in cardiac outpatients (n=203). Visceral fat vs. Lower visceral fat was evaluated on Resting heart rate (RHR) (β = 0.71 bpm per SD, 95% CI 0.26-1.16, p=0.002). Visceral adiposity was independently associated with higher resting heart rate (β = 0.71 bpm per SD; 95% CI 0.26-1.16; p=0.002) and diastolic blood pressure, which was attenuated by regular exercise.
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