Takeaway
- This meta-analysis suggests that high vs low level of physical activity may lower the risk of sudden cardiac death by almost 50% in the general population.
Why this matters
- Findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death as well as for overall health.
- Further studies are needed to clarify which types and intensities of physical activity may be most beneficial.
Study design
- 13 prospective studies met eligibility criteria after a search across PubMed and Embase databases.
- Funding: Imperial College National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre and others.
Key results
- Participants reporting the highest level of physical activity had approximately half the risk of sudden cardiac death vs those with the lowest level of activity (relative risk [RR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.45-0.60).
- In the dose-response analysis, there was a 32% reduction in risk of sudden cardiac death per 20 metabolic equivalent task (MET) hours/week (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55-0.86).
- Although the test for non-linearity was not significant (Pnonlinearity=.18), no further risk reduction was observed beyond 20-25 MET hours/week.
- The highest vs lowest level of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower risk of sudden cardiac death (2 studies; RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.81).
Limitations
- Risk of publication bias.
- Study did not investigate the effects of specific subtype of physical activity.
This clinical summary first appeared on Univadis, part of the Medscape Professional Network.
