Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Older Adults With Long-Term Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) now live longer, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors amenable to intervention are therefore needed to support their healthy aging.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors among older adults with long-term SCI and investigate the association with sociodemographics and injury characteristics.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional descriptive cohort study.

SETTING

Home settings.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 123 individuals (71% men, injury levels C1-L5, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A-D), mean age 63 years, mean time since injury 24 years.

METHODS

Data from the Swedish Aging with Spinal Cord Injury Study (SASCIS), collected through interviews and assessments during home visits and from medical records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and blood lipids, and data on cardiovascular comorbidity and tobacco use.

RESULTS

One third had a previous diagnosis of hypertension, and 55% presented with a blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg at the time of assessment. Sixteen percent had a history of diabetes and in 15% fasting glucose levels were ≥ 7 mmol/L. Dyslipidemia was present in 76%, whereas 16% had prediagnosed dyslipidemia. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27 kg/m

CONCLUSIONS

The high occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors among older adults with long-term SCI can pose additional consequences to their health. Regular assessments and interventions targeting cardiovascular risk in this population are therefore warranted. Further research is needed to identify modifiable factors associated with their risk profile.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Informations de copyright

© 2018 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.