Association between types of physical activity and risk of ischemic heart disease based on US Guidelines: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) is increasing worldwide. There is no available literature regarding the validity of US guidelines for IHD risk reduction through physical exercise. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to measure the effectiveness of US guidelines for physical activity in reducing IHD risk based on the types of exercise. Methods Six databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched from January 1, 2000, to November 6, 2022. The most recent literature search was conducted on November 6, 2022, and only English-language articles were included. Studies designed and conducted on humans on any type of IHD-related physical activity were included. Study outcomes included heterogeneity among the studies, overall effects of all types of physical activity, and IHD risk. The random effects model was measured. A funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. Results When the US guidelines for physical activity were not applied, there was a high level of heterogeneity in the effects of physical activity by type, with overall effects of 0.764 (odds ratio OR, 95% confidence interval CI: 0.737–0.795). The effect of physical activity on IHD was 0.593 (OR, 95% CI: 0.489–0.720). No publication bias was observed. After applying the US guidelines for physical activity, there was a low level of heterogeneity in the effects of physical activity by type and an observed OR of 0.515 (95% CI: 0.401–0.662) for myocardial infarction. Discussion Each type of exercise had different effects on reducing IHD, and there were certain beneficial results if the US guidelines for physical activity were satisfied.