Association of Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Introduction: Evidence regarding the associations between accelerometer-measured moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and cardiovascular health (CVH) indicators among Hispanic/Latino adults are unavailable. Methods: Examined cross-sectional data from 12,008 Hispanic/Latino adults aged 18–74 years participating in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Accelerometer-measured MVPA was assessed categorically and dichotomously per 2008 PA guidelines. Adverse and ideal CVH indicators were determined by standard cut-points for blood glucose, total cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and smoking. A composite of low CV risk, defined as achieving all ideal CVH indicators, was included. Adjusted Poisson regression models and complex survey design methods were used for all analyses. Results: Compared to high MVPA, lower MVPA categories were associated with higher prevalence of all adverse CVH indicators, except hypertension, and with lower prevalence of low CV risk and ideal blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI. Similarly, non-adherence to PA guidelines was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes (16%), hypercholesterolemia (9%), obesity (28%), and smoking (9%); and lower prevalence of low CV risk (24%), ideal blood glucose (6%), ideal blood pressure (6%), and ideal BMI (22%). Conclusion: Overall, high accelerometer-measured MVPA and meeting PA guidelines were associated with favorable CVH in Hispanic/Latino adults.