Physical activity, cardiovascular morbidity and overall mortality: Results from a 14-year follow-up of the German Health Interview Survey

The aim of this study was to analyze whether physically active persons have fewer cardiovascular diseases and lower overall mortality than sedentary persons and whether there is a benefit for persons performing vigorous physical activities compared to those reporting light or moderate levels. In 1984-1985, a population-based random sample of women and men aged 25-69 years was recruited for the National Health Interview Survey in Germany. Self-reported duration of sports and leisure-time physical activities at baseline were evaluated in relation to cardiovascular morbidity and overall mortality after 14 years of follow-up among participants free of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and obstructive pulmonary diseases at baseline. An inverse association of the duration of sports with cardiovascular morbidity was found for women (regular 1-2 h a week: odds ratio, 1.42, 95% CI: 0.75, 2.67; less than 1 h: odds ratio, 1.85, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.23) as well as for men (odds ratio, 2.47, 95% CI: 1.51, 4.05; odds ratio, 2.43, 95% CI: 1.58, 3.74), if compared to a reference, defined as regular sports for at least 2 h/week. Regarding overall mortality, an inverse association was also found. Women with 1-2 h of regular sports (odds ratio, 1.49, 95% CI: 0.53, 4.22) and less than 1 h (odds ratio, 3.31, 95% CI: 1.34, 8.14) as well as men (odds ratio, 1.27, 95% CI: 0.75, 2.14; odds ratio, 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.44) are under higher risk of dying compared to the reference. Similar results were found regarding the intensity of physical activities. We concluded that regular sports as well as regular physical activity are related to lower levels of cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality. An additional benefit was found for those reporting vigorous activities.