The associations of physical activity and physical capability with cardiovascular health among working-age finnish women

Objective: To evaluate how ideal is the cardiovascular health (CVH) in women who meet the American Heart Association's (AHA) recommended level of physical activity (PA). Further, to study the relationships of the AHA's CVH metrics and the recommended level of PA with physical capability and overall PA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 732 female employees (similar to 48 years) of the city of Pori (Finland) in the year 2014. The level of PA and CVH risk factors (smoking, body mass index (BMI), diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose tolerance) was defined by the AHA's ideal CVH concept. PA was evaluated with a questionnaire, and physical capability was tested with grip strength, chair rising, standing balance, and walking test. Results: Of the study subjects, 40% met the ideal criteria of the PA level. Smoking, BMI, and diet were associated with the recommended level of PA, as well as physical capability and overall PA. Furthermore, both the physical capability and overall PA had a positive, linear association with the AHA's sum of 6 ideal CVH metrics. Conclusions: The physical capability seems to distinguish differences in CVH already in mid-life. Furthermore, the recommended level of PA is well chosen, associating with all studied variables.