Aim
To examine the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular health at baseline and predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events at 28 months in advanced age.
Methods
A total of 108 adults in advanced age were recruited. A standardised questionnaire, comprehensive physical assessments, physical activity and fasting blood samples were analysed. CVD events at follow-up were ascertained from hospital records.
Results
Sixty-seven per cent of participants had CVD at baseline. Physical activity (OR (95% CI): 0.99 (0.98–1.0); P = 0.04) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (OR (95% CI): 0.3 (0.09–1.0); P = 0.046) were independently associated with CVD. The 28-month incidence rate of CVD was 6 cases/100 person-years. Baseline diastolic BP (OR (95% CI): 0.9 (0.9–1.0); P = 0.03) and waist circumference (OR (95% CI): 1.06 (1.01–1.1); P = 0.01) were independently associated with subsequent CVD events at follow-up.
Conclusion
Physical activity and HDL levels were inversely associated with CVD at baseline but were not predictive of future CVD events. CVD in advanced age warrants further investigation.