P105 PULSE PRESSURE AMPLIFICATION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN YOUNG BLACK AND WHITE ADULTS: THE AFRICAN-PREDICT STUDY

Abstract

Background and Objectives: It is known that physical activity is inversely associated with arterial stiffness in healthy adults 1. Data regarding the effect of physical activity on PPA is limited. Such data is of importance especially in South Africa, where alarming rates of physical inactivity have been reported 2,3. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between pulse pressure amplification (PPA) and physical activity in a young, healthy black and white South African cohort. Methods: The sub-study was embedded in the African Prospective study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular disease and Hypertension (African-PREDICT) and included 591 white and 604 black participants aged 20–30 years. Systolic, diastolic and central blood pressures were determined with the SphygmoCor apparatus. Biochemical variables were analysed with known methods. Results: The SBP (124 vs. 121 mmHg, p < 0.001), DBP (76 vs. 71 mmHg, p < 0.001) and central SBP (110 vs. 105 mmHg, p < 0.001) were significant higher in the black compared to white participants. No differences were encountered in c-fPWV and PPA. The physical activity levels did not differ but the total energy expenditure was significant lower in the blacks compared to whites (2205.5 vs. 2373.6 kCal, p < 0.001). After multiple regression analysis only in black participants the PPA showed an independent and significant negative association with age (ß = −0.282, p < 0.001) and a positive association with height (ß = 0.247, p < 0.001). In whites the PPA only associated positively with sex (ß = 0.180, p = 0.032). Conclusion: No association was encountered between arterial stiffness (PPA) and physical activity markers.