Myocardial infarction and physical function: the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke prospective cohort study

Objective: To examine associations between myocardial infarction (MI) and multiple physical function metrics. Methods: Among participants aged ≥45 years in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke prospective cohort study, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), activities of daily living (ADL), gait speed, chair stands, and Short Form-12 physical component summary (PCS) were assessed after approximately 10 years of follow-up. We examined associations between MI and physical function (no MI n = 9,472, adjudicated MI during follow-up n = 288, median 4.7 years prior to function assessment, history of MI at baseline n = 745, history of MI at baseline and adjudicated MI during follow-up n = 70, median of 6.7 years prior to function assessment). Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours, depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio. We examined subgroups defined by age, gender, and race. Results: The average age at baseline was 62 years old, 56% were women, and 35% Black. MI was significantly associated with worse IADL and ADL scores, IADL dependency, chair stands, and PCS, but not ADL dependency or gait speed. For example, compared to participants without MI, IADL scores (possible range 0-14, higher score represents worse function) were greater for participants with MI during follow-up (difference: 0.37 95% CI 0.16, 0.59), MI at baseline (0.26 95% CI 0.12, 0.41), and MI at baseline and follow-up (0.71 95% CI 0.15, 1.26), p < 0.001. Associations tended to be greater in magnitude among participants who were women and particularly Black women. Conclusion: MI was associated with various measures of physical function. These decrements in function associated with MI may be preventable or treatable.