Physical Activity Status and Acute Coronary Syndromes Survival: The GREECS (Greek Study of Acute Coronary Syndromes) Study Original Research Article

Objectives We sought to evaluate the association between physical activity levels and the clinical outcome at presentation, as well as the 30-day prognosis of hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Background Regular physical activity has been associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease. However, less is known about the effects of life-long physical activity on ACS prognosis. Methods From October 2003 to September 2004, a sample of 6 hospitals located in urban and rural Greek regions were selected, and almost all of their ACS patients were enrolled into the study (2,172 patients were included in the study; 76% men and 24% women). Logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the effect of physical activity status (as assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire) on in-hospital mortality and the 30-day outcome of cardiovascular events (death or rehospitalization due to cardiovascular disease). Results An inverse association was observed between the level of physical activity and troponin I levels at presentation (p = 0.01). Moreover, after taking into account various potential confounders, physical activity was associated with a 0.56-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32 to 0.90) lower odds of in-hospital mortality and a 0.80-fold (95% CI 0.50 to 0.99) lower odds of cardiovascular events within the first month after discharge. Conclusion In conclusion, physical activity is associated with a reduced severity of ACS, reduced in-hospital mortality rates, and improved short-term prognosis.