Relationship between cardiometabolic indicators and physical activity frequency in university professors

Abstract

Physical activity is a protective factor that reduces cardiovascular risk; however, the consumption of unhealthy foods and inadequate lifestyles favor the presence of indicators that increase metabolic syndrome in the adult population. Public health systems are concerned about the rising incidence of these factors in this specific population group. Objective: To establish the frequency of physical activity and the levels of cardiometabolic risk indicators in university professors. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, hemodynamic, and biochemical variables were quantified. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized to determine the frequency of physical activity. Variables were correlated using Pearson's test, and statistical differences were established at p-values < 0.05. Results: The sample consisted of 77 professors, predominantly female (70.12%), with 59.74% aged ≥40 years. Findings included abdominal obesity (64.94%) and high blood pressure (48.06%). Biochemically, optimal blood concentrations were found for glycemia (81.82%), triglycerides (70.12%), and HDL cholesterol (68.83%), while inadequate concentrations of LDL were observed (65.7%). Regarding physical activity practice, 89.19% of the professors were classified in the moderate to high category. Conclusions: Overall physical activity was moderate to high. However, the presence of abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations configure a metabolic risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. These results highlight the clinical need to implement cardiovascular care programs within the studied population.