Differences In Physical Activity Levels By Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Among Cardiac Patients

Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as a crucial factor for enhancing health outcomes in cardiac patients by improving cardiovascular function and reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression. Regular participation in PA has been shown to influence various cardiac parameters, including myocardial function. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), an important clinical indicator of cardiac performance, is often associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates in cardiovascular conditions. Yet, it remains unclear whether low level of PA is associated with reduced LVEF. PURPOSE: To explore the differences in PA between cardiac patients with normal LVEF, mildly reduced LVEF, and reduced LVEF. METHODS: Participants were diagnosed with CVD by a cardiologist and confirmed by a coronary angiogram report. Participants were excluded if they had cognitive dysfunction that impaired their ability to follow instructions or had severe injuries that affected their ability to engage in physical activity. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and reported their physical activity levels using the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GLTEQ). LVEF was measured by a radiology technician using echocardiography. Patients were classified into three groups based on their LVEF: normal (≥50%), mildly reduced (41%-49%), or reduced (≤40%). A one-way ANOVA was used to compare PA levels between patients with normal LVEF, mildly reduced LVEF, and reduced LVEF groups, with an alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred patients admitted to a local cardiac center in Saudi Arabia for cardiovascular emergency-related events were included in the study [12% were women; M age = 55.6 ± 11.9 years; M body weight = 80.9 ± 17.9 kg; M body height = 1.67 ± 0.72 m]. The average GLTEQ scores were 19.4 ± 14.4 for the normal LVEF group, 27.7 ± 25.1 for the mildly reduced LVEF group, and 16.8 ± 13.7 for the reduced LVEF group. The ANOVA revealed no significant differences in PA among the LVEF groups. However, the model was approaching statistical significance (P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that cardiac patients with reduced LVEF have lower PA than those with normal LVEF and mildly reduced LVEF. Low participation in PA may be associated with an increased risk of poor cardiac performance.