Abstract P438: Physical Activity and Calcification of Coronary Arteries, Aorta, and Cardiac Valves: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background:Regular physical activity (PA) has been associated with reduced risk of coronary heart disease, but conflicting results have been reported regarding its association with coronary artery calcification (CAC), one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, different domains of PA (e.g., sports vs. work) and extra coronary calcification (ECC) have not been extensively studied in this context.Methods:We investigated 2,025 ARIC participants (age 73-95 years) who had no coronary heart disease and underwent a non-contrast cardiac-gated computed tomography scan at visit 7 (2018-19). PA was based on a modified Baecke questionnaire, which provides total and domain-specific (sport, non-sport leisure, and work) PA scores. We modeled the cumulative PA scores in middle-age at visit 1 (1987-89) and visit 3 (1993-95). We explored continuous CAC and ECC (log-transformed [Agatston score+1]) or any CAC and ECC (Agatston score >0 vs. 0) as dependent variables using linear regression and multivariable logistic models, as appropriate.Results:Higher total and domain-specific PA scores showed no association with lower CAC. Among ECC, descending aorta calcification demonstrated the strongest association with total PA scores (coefficient -0.10 [95% CI -0.21, 0.01], p=0.075) (Figure). When specific domains were explored, higher sport and work PA scores were significantly associated with lower descending aorta calcification. When we analyzed any CAC and ECC as the outcome variable, the results were generally consistent.Conclusions:Higher PA in midlife was associated with lower calcification of descending aorta in late life. Our results further support the health benefits of PA and unique pathological process across different vascular beds.