Associations of Physical Activity and Dietary Fat Quality With Arterial Health in Adolescents

Abstract

Background: While the clinical signs of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are not usually visible until adulthood, the CVD pathology begins already in childhood.

Objectives: To study the associations of physical activity (PA) and dietary fat quality with arterial health among adolescents.

Methods: Altogether 117 adolescents 15-17 years of age participated in the study. Sedentary time (ST), light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), PA energy expenditure (PAEE), resistance training volume and dietary fat quality were assessed. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) were assessed by impedance cardiography, and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid artery distensibility were assessed by carotid ultrasonography.

Results: ST was negatively associated with cIMT (standardised regression coefficient β = -0.225, p = 0.015). MVPA and PAEE were negatively associated with PWV (β = -0.245 to -0.228, p < 0.05) and CAVI (β = -0.226 to -0.212, p < 0.05), and positively with cIMT (β = 0.235 to 0.269, p < 0.05). MVPA was positively associated with carotid artery distensibility (β = 0.180, p = 0.047). Monounsaturated fat intake was positively associated with carotid artery distensibility (β = 0.190, p = 0.041). PAEE was negatively associated with CAVI in adolescents with higher saturated fat (SFA) intake (β = -0.367, p = 0.017), but not in adolescents with lower SFA intake (β = -0.095, p = 0.526).

Conclusion: MVPA and PAEE were related to better arterial health. Moreover, our results suggest that higher PAEE benefits adolescents with higher SFA intake.

Keywords: arterial stiffness; exercise; youth.