Low physical activity and high homocysteine levels among doctors
Keywords:
Homocysteine, Physical activity, Sedentary lifestyle, Cardiovascular risk, Doctors, Workplace, GPAQAbstract
Background
Homocysteine is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Less is known
about the influence of physical activity in homocysteine levels. The aim of our
study is to find out the prevalence of high homocysteine levels and low physical
activity among doctors and the relationship between them.
Methods
The study included 101 doctors working in a tertiary care hospital in India.
Pregnant women and individuals with a known history of cardiovascular and/or
cerebrovascular diseases were excluded. The main outcome variables measured
were plasma total homocysteine and physical activity, using GPAQ (Global
Physical Activity Questionnaire).
Results
Prevalence of a high homocysteine level (?15?/l) was 34.7% and the prevalence of low physical activity (<600 MET
minutes/week) was 25.7 % in our study population. High homocysteine values were associated with male sex (p=0.00)
and smoking (p=0.003). Homocysteine was significantly associated with low physical activity (MET minutes/week)
adjusting for age, sex and smoking status (p<0.05). There was no significant association between homocysteine and
physical activity with FBS, HbA1c and Lipid Profile.
Conclusion
Homocysteine level is inversely related to physical activity. Hyperhomocysteinemia is a strong risk factor for
cardiovascular disease. From a public health viewpoint, it is important to identify the modifiable risk factors that
influence homocysteine levels.
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