The Association of physical activity levels with high blood pressure in older men with metabolic syndrome of Kabul city

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a growing global concern, especially among the elderly, as it contributes significantly to various chronic health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity levels and high blood pressure among elderly men with metabolic syndrome in Kabul, Afghanistan.This descriptive-analytical study involved 330 elderly men over the age of 50 who had been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and visited public hospitals in Kabul in 2023 (1402 solar year). Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Anthropometric data (height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index) and physiological indicators (systolic and diastolic blood pressure) were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. One-way ANOVA was used to compare physical activity groups, and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and blood pressure. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.The results revealed a significant inverse relationship between moderate to high levels of physical activity and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Specifically, individuals engaging in higher physical activity levels exhibited lower blood pressure values. In contrast, low levels of physical activity were significantly associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.002 for both measures). The study highlights the beneficial impact of regular moderate to high-intensity physical activity in lowering blood pressure among elderly individuals with metabolic syndrome. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating physical activity as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for managing blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health in aging populations. Promoting active lifestyles in this demographic could contribute to better health outcomes and reduced burden on healthcare systems.