Risk factors, physical activity behavior, and hand grip strength of adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Arar city, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of global mortality. Risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, low physical activity, weak handgrip strength, and high body mass index are commonly associated with CVD. This study explores risk factors, physical activity behaviors, and handgrip strength in adults diagnosed with atherosclerotic CVD in Arar city, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 100 patients with CVD admitted to a local cardiac center between August 2023 and April 2024. Participants completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire to assess physical activity. Handgrip strength was measured using a handgrip strength dynamometer. Additional clinical, demographic, and anthropometric data, including left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and hemoglobin A1c levels, were retrieved from the center's records. Differences in physical activity and handgrip strength between diabetes groups (normal, prediabetic, and diabetic) and LVEF groups (normal LVEF, mildly reduced LVEF, and reduced LVEF) were analyzed using analysis of variance, while setting P < .05 as the criterion for significant difference. Of the participants (88% men, mean age 55.6 ± 11.9 years), 73% were insufficiently active, as per the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire score. Handgrip strength and physical activity scores were higher among non-diabetic and normal LVEF groups compared to the other groups. Nonetheless, differences between groups were not statistically significant (P > .05). Most patients exhibited common CVD risk factors, such as increased body mass index, dyslipidemia, and smoking history, with 36% having single vessel disease and 38% reduced LVEF. This study highlights low physical activity levels and weak handgrip strength in CVD patients in Arar city, highlighting a critical need for tailored public health initiatives. Programs promoting physical activity and resistance training may enhance cardiac health and mitigate risk. Region-specific insights inform national strategies to address reducing the risk of CVD in Saudi Arabia.