Effects of leisure-time physical activity and ventilatory function on risk for stroke in men: the Reykjavík Study.
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a major cause of illness, death, and health expenditures. Leisure-time physical activity may reduce the risk for stroke.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the association of leisure-time physical activity and pulmonary function with risk for stroke.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Reykjavík, Iceland.


METHODS
4484 men 45 to 80 years of age followed for a mean (+/-SD) of 10.6 +/- 3.6 years.


METHODS
Patients underwent physical examination, blood sampling, and spirometry and completed a questionnaire about health and exercise. Computerized hospital records were used to identify strokes, and the Icelandic National Registry was used to identify deaths.


RESULTS
New stroke developed in 249 men (5.6%) (hemorrhagic stroke in 44 [18%] and ischemic stroke in 205 [82%]). In a multivariable hazard analysis that controlled for known risk factors for cerebrovascular disease, leisure-time physical activity maintained after 40 years of age was associated with a reduced risk for stroke (relative risk, 0.69 [CI, 0.47 to 1.01] for total stroke and 0.62 [CI, 0.40 to 0.97] for ischemic stroke). Risk for stroke increased with diminished ventilatory function (FVC or FEV1) (relative risk, 1.9 [CI, 1.06 to 3.25] for the lowest compared with the highest quintile).


CONCLUSIONS
Middle-aged men who participate in leisure-time physical activity and have good pulmonary function seem to have a lower risk for stroke than men who are not active or have diminished pulmonary function.
Agnarsson
U
U
Icelandic Heart Association and the National University Hospital, Reykjavík.
Thorgeirsson
G
G
Sigvaldason
H
H
Sigfusson
N
N
D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013147:Spirometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014797:Vital Capacity