Low Physical Function Tied to Cardiac Events in Older Adults
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Reduced physical function is an independent risk factor for composite and individual cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and heart failure (HF) in older adults, according to new observational data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.
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@rajrani The researchers analyzed health data collected between 2011 and 2013 for 5570 ARIC participants (mean age 75 years, 58% women, 22% Black persons). They assessed physical function using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which measures walking speed, leg strength, and balance. On the basis of the results, participants were categorized into three physical function groups: low (score 0-6, 13% of the cohort), intermediate (score 7-9, 30%) and high (score 10-12, 57%).