Abstract des Autors

Population-based data on physical activity and cardiovascular diseases among elderly are scarce. In the Seven Countries Study, however, the physical activity pattern of elderly Dutch, Finnish and Italian men is described, as is the relationship between physical activity and biological cardiovascular risk factors. The reported time spent on physical activity varied strongly between and within cohorts in the three countries. Walking, gardening and bicycling contributed more than 70 percent to total activity in all cohorts. A positive cross-sectional association is observed between physical activity and HDL-cholesterol. American longitudinal data point at a lower risk of coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular accidents among physically active elderly. Not only population-based studies on physical activity and (cardiovascular) diseases in the elderly are needed, but also studies investigating the underlying mechanisms and the effects of intervention programs. More attention should be focussed on women, and on the risks of cerebrovascular accidents. Verf.-Referat