†These authors contributed equally.
§EVA Investigators are listed in acknowledgments.
Background: In this study we analyzed the association between physical
activity and sedentary lifestyle with vascular aging in Spanish populations aged
35–75 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was developed, in which
501 subjects aged 35–75 years were recruited. Physical activity and sedentary
time were measured with an accelerometer (Actigraph GTX3) for a week. We measured
carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) by a Sphygmo Cor®
device and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) by ultrasound (Sonosite
Micromax®). The vascular aging index (VAI) was calculated as
described in the literature. Vascular aging was defined considering the 25th and
75th percentiles by age and sex of cfPWV and VAI, presence of vascular injury,
type-2 diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension. Individuals were classified
into three groups: healthy, normal, and early vascular aging. Results:
The mean age of the sample was 55.90
