Ultrasound-Assessed Brachial Artery Flow-Mediated Dilation and Carotid Plaque Burden as Markers of Vascular Health in Relation to Weekly Physical Activity Duration in Older Adults

Objectives: This study assessed the association between physical activity and vascular endothelial function and carotid atherosclerotic plaques in older adults using ultrasound imaging. Methods and Results: A total of 60 older adults were divided into three groups based on weekly physical activity: low (12 h/week). All participants underwent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) assessment and carotid ultrasound to determine plaque burden. Participants with moderate physical activity demonstrated greater FMD (12.3 ± 2.5%) than those with low (1.2 ± 1.8%) or high activity (7.1 ± 1.3%), and a lower carotid plaque burden. In adjusted logistic regression models, moderate activity remained independently associated with a lower likelihood of impaired FMD (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.18–0.27) and lower carotid plaque burden (OR 0.16; 95% CI 0.11–0.19). Conclusions: Moderate physical activity was associated with more favorable vascular endothelial function and reduced carotid atherosclerosis in older adults, indicating an association with a more favorable vascular profile.