Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a simple question about the performance of regular vigorous activity is associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and mortality. METHODS: A total of 1288 individuals undergoing nonemergency coronary angiography were assessed for participation in regular vigorous activity by questionnaire. Data on demographic characteristics, ankle-brachial indexes, and cardiovascular outcomes were prospectively collected. RESULTS: Compared with those who denied participation in regular vigorous activity, those who reported participation were less likely to have PAD (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.86), had higher ankle-brachial indexes, had better Walking Impairment Questionnaire scores (P<.001), and experienced reduced all-cause mortality rates (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.31-0.74). When added to the Framingham Risk Score, the response improved the net reclassification index for all-cause (32.6%) and cardiovascular (32.0%) mortality. CONCLUSION: Among at-risk individuals, regular vigorous activity is associated with decreased PAD and all-cause mortality. Simple and readily available, a single yes/no query about participation in regular vigorous exercise could be used to improve risk stratification.