Enhancing physical activity programs for diabetic patients at high and very high cardiovascular risk

Abstract

[Abstract] This study aimed to identify the populations most susceptible to cardiovascular risks, aligning with the 2021 ESC guidelines. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate statin prescriptions to determine suitable candidates for tailored physical activity (PA) programs, geared towards risk reduction risk reduction. This retrospective observational descriptive study encompassing 305 participants aged 45 and above without cardiovascular events at the outset, involved detailed analyses across various variables. The initial phase involved descriptive analyses of LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels. The subsequent phase focused on comparing these cholesterol levels based on gender and age utilizing a general univariate linear model. The study also explored disparities linked to statin prescriptions. A notable finding was that a significant majority of the subjects (67.9%) did not meet the target LDL and non-HDL levels (65.2%). Despite investigating the impact of physical activity on cholesterol values, no significant differences or associations were uncovered between those practicing PA and those who were not. Intriguingly, patients not prescribed statins exhibited higher LDL (106.24±25.16) and non-HDL (134.06±25.83) averages. Comparatively, those prescribed medium-potency statins (81.89±27.13) and high- potency statins (107.49± ± 35.03) for non-HDL demonstrated lower values. Contrary to expectations, the claimed physical activity of this patient cohort did not influence cholesterol improvement. Thus, there is an imperative need to design physical activity programs targeting at-risk populations, accompanied by a suitable prescription to ensure program adherence. This dual approach aims to enhance patient health and optimize cholesterol levels, complementing pharmacological prescriptions. In light of current literature and the study's outcomes, there exists a considerable gap in achieving anticipated targets, primarily owing to inadequate statin prescriptions. Consequently, there is a need for physical activity professionals to offer complementary non- pharmacological treatments. Emphasizing the proven benefits of physical activity, the study underscores its role in reducing the risk of adverse events across all ages and genders. Notably, a direct correlation is established between moderate to vigorous physical activity and decreased all-cause mortality, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Sedentary individuals, in particular, face a greater risk, reinforcing the critical importance of promoting an active lifestyle.