Physical activity and 22-year all-cause and coronary heart disease mortality.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the effects of occupational (OPA) and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) on mortality relative to cardiorespiratory fitness and pre-existing coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS: Associations between OPA, measured as energy expenditure (kcal/day) and relative aerobic workload (%VO2 max), LTPA, and 22-year mortality among 1891 Finnish men were assessed by Cox regression models stratified by CHD and adjusted for 19 confounders.

RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, each 10% of relative aerobic workload increased all-cause mortality by 13% and CHD mortality 28% (P < 0.01). Compared to healthy subjects, men with CHD experienced lower mortality risks due to OPA and higher risks due to LTPA. While LTPA had no effect among healthy men, in men with CHD each weekly hour of conditioning LTPA increased all-cause mortality risks by 10% and CHD mortality by14%.

CONCLUSION: OPA was positively associated with both all-cause and CHD mortality. LTPA was not protective. Among men with CHD, LTPA increased mortality risks.