Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Fitness should be considered a “vital sign” in middle-aged and older adults

 


 
  
Am J Cardiol. 2015 Apr 18. pii: S0002-9149(15)01122-4. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2015.04.024. [Epub ahead of print]
Reduced Walking Speed and Distance as Harbingers of the Approaching Grim Reaper.
Franklin BA1, Brinks J2, Sacks R2, Trivax J2, Friedman H2.
Author information
  
1Beaumont Health System, Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Performance Clinic, Royal Oak, Michigan. Electronic address: bfranklin@beaumont.edu.
2Beaumont Health System, Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Performance Clinic, Royal Oak, Michigan.

Abstract

Although treadmill exercise testing can provide an assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness, which serves as an independent prognostic indicator, numerous studies now suggest that usual gait speed, time, or distance covered during walk performance tests and weekly walking distance/time are powerful predictors of mortality and future cardiovascular events in selected patients. This review summarizes the relation between these variables and their association with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, with specific reference to potential underlying mechanisms and implications for the clinician. Contemporary health care providers have escalating opportunities to promote lifestyle physical activity using pedometers, accelerometers, and smartphone-based health and wellness applications. In conclusion, fitness and/or ambulatory indexes should be considered a “vital sign” in middle-aged and older adults.

Source

- See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/fitness-should-be-considered-a-vital-sign-in-middle-aged-and-older-adults/elder-care/#sthash.M4VlA9HG.59ojLeBF.dpuf

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