Cardiovascular health metrics of 122, 788 couples: analysis of a nationwide epidemiological database. (25th November 2020) - Itoh, H
Abstract: Introduction: The American Heart Association suggests that cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics based on established risk factors and behaviors to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease. Couples share environmental and lifestyle habits, and therefore, there can be an intra-couple correlation of CVH metrics. However, the clinical data on the association of the CVH metrics among couples are limited. Purpose: We aimed to explore the intra-couple relationship of the AHA-defined cardiovascular health metrics using a nationwide epidemiological database. Methods: This study is a retrospective observational cross-sectional analysis using the health claims database of the Japan Medical Data Center between January 2005 and December 2016. We modified the American Heart Association CVH metrics and defined ideal CVH component as following: 1) nonsmoking, 2) body mass index <25 kg/m 2, 3) physical activity at goal, 4) untreated blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg, 5) untreated fasting glucose <100 mg/dL, and 6) untreated total cholesterol <200 mg/dL. Results: We analyzed 122, 788 heterosexual couples enrolled in the Japan Medical Data Center database. The average age of participants was 50.2±9.5 years in men and 48.6±8.9 years in women. Good correlation was observed between couples in terms of the modified ideal CVH metrics (Figure 1A). The prevalence of meeting ≥5 ideal components in the female partners increased from 31% in the male partners meeting no ideal components to 55% in those meeting 6 ideal components. The concordance ratio is particularly higher in the component of smoking status, blood pressure, and fasting glucose level. A man who meets ≥5 ideal components probably had a woman partner who meets ≥5 ideal components (Odds ratio 1.6, 95% CI: 1.6–1.7, p<0.001). The P value for the McNemar test was significant for all components, indicating that women apparently met ideal metrics for metrics in discordant Couples (Figure 1B). Conclusion: Our investigation showed that there was a good intra-couple correlation of the ideal modified CVH metrics, suggesting the potential of couple-based assessment and management for improving CVH status. Funding Acknowledgement: Type of funding source: None