Physical activity and heart attack risk in Australian adults with no cardiovascular risk factors

Physical activity and heart attack risk in Australian adults with no cardiovascular risk factors

The presence of standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs; hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hypercholesterolaemia) increases the risk of cardiovascular events; however, recent data suggests that 1 in 4 myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) in Australia occur without these risk factors (i.e. SMuRF-less). Physical activity is protective against cardiovascular events across both low- and high-risk groups; yet this relationship has never been examined for SMuRF-less individuals.

The aim of this study is to leverage the baseline, 5- and 10-year follow-up data from >200,000 individuals in the 45&Up study to determine whether physical activity level is similarly protective against cardiovascular events for individuals without SMuRFs. If so, the outcome of this study may identify physical activity as a novel, and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity in persons without “standard” cardiovascular risk factors. This study will thus improve our current methods of cardiovascular risk-stratification, and build impetus for future funding opportunities for SMuRF-less individuals.

Dr Matthew Hollings (SOLVE-CHD Research Fellow) was able to secure funding for this project through the Heart Foundation’s 2022 45 & Up Grant.

The Team:

  • Dr Matthew Hollings, University of Sydney
  • Prof Gemma Figtree, University of Sydney
  • Dr Karice Hyun, University of Sydney

Other projects

PANDA Trial

(led by Prof Thomas Astell-Burt; funded MRFF Effective Treatments and Therapies Grant)

HeartPath+

(led by Dr Susie Cartledge; funded by MRFF Preventive and Public Health Research Initiative Grant)

At the heart of the matter

(led by Dr Sarah Gauci; funded by Deakin University’s Faculty of Health Research Capacity Building Grant Scheme)

Heat Health Research

(led by Dr Georgia Chaseling; funded by Heat and Health Research Incubator collaborative funds)

MeasureIt!

(led by Assoc Prof Nicole Freene; funded by MRFF Cardiovascular Health Mission Incubator Grant)