IMPACT OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ON VASCULAR STIFFNESS TRAJECTORIES IN FRANCE AND GERMANY. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruno, Rosa Maria; Pepin, Jean-Louis; Empana, Jean-Philippe; Yang, Rui-Yi; Vercamer, Vincent; Jouhaud, Paul; Escorrou, Pierre; Boutouyrie, Pierre
• Is Part Of: Journal of hypertension. Volume 39(2021)e-Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Hypertension -- Periodicals; Hypertension -- Periodicals; 616.132005
• DOI: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000744764.94576.15
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-5598

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Aim of the study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on trajectories of vascular stiffness among a large population of users of a connected bathroom scale, allowing reliable measurements of pulse wave velocity (PWV). Design and method: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) recordings obtained by Withings Heart Health & Body Composition Wi-Fi Smart Scale users before and during lockdown were analyzed. We compared two demonstrative countries: France, who applied strict lockdown rules (n = 26, 196) and Germany, who applied partial lockdown (n = 26, 847). Subgroup analysis was conducted in users of activity trackers and home blood pressure monitors (HBPM). Linear growth curve modeling and clustering trajectories analyses were performed. Results: During lockdown a significant reduction in PWV, weight, BP and physical activity was observed in the overall population. PWV reduction was significantly greater in France than in Germany, corresponding to an improvement of 5.2 months in vascular age. In the French population three clusters of PWV trajectories were identified: decreasing (21.1%), stable (60.6%) and increasing PWV (18.2%). Decreasing and increasing PWV clusters had both higher PWV and vascular age at baseline compared to stable PWV cluster. Only decreasing PWV cluster showed a significant weight reduction (-400 g), whereas living alone was associated with increasing PWV. Conclusions: Total lockdown induced a reduction in vascular stiffness in a significant proportion of French smart scale users. Impact on long term behaviors and cardiovascular health remains to be established.