AHMADOU

Introduction: Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are linked to the occurrence of non-communicable diseases, which in some women can lead to maternal and fetal complications. This study aimed to determine the effect of physical activity on cardiovascular parameters in pregnant women. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three district hospitals (Deido, Logbaba, and City of palm trees) between October 2023 and February 2024. Physical activity levels were assessed using a questionnaire adapted for pregnant women. Cardiovascular parameters recorded included overweight and obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. Results: A total of 205 women were included in the study. The mean age was 28 ± 5 years. Sedentary lifestyles accounted for 40.4%, obesity for 35.1%, and overweight for 34.1%. Elevated blood pressure was more prevalent in the third trimester of pregnancy compared to the second trimester. Nearly 57.6% had a level of light (43.9%) or moderate (13.7%) physical activity. Only the prevalence of SBP ≥ 140 mmHg, sedentary behavior, and DBP ≥ 90 mmHg varied (p = 0.0001) between physical activity levels. Conclusion: Physical activity has demonstrated its protective effect on certain cardiometabolic risk factors in pregnant women. Therefore, promoting physical activity and combating sedentary lifestyles is essential for pregnant women to prevent the onset of cardiometabolic diseases.

Introduction: Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). When combined with other risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study evaluated the effect of physical activity on cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. Results: The mean age was 60 ± 12 years. The male-to-female ratio was 0.71. The cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes identified were primarily alcohol consumption (49.7%), physical inactivity (47%), hypertension (43%), and hypercholesterolemia (39.1%). The average duration of diabetes was 7.8 ± 6.4 years. Patients had hyperglycemia in 77% of cases. In this study, 48.0% of diabetic patients had a high cardiovascular risk (≥ 20%). This cardiovascular risk was significantly higher in women compared to men (p=0.048) and in patients over 60 years of age compared to those under 60 (p=0.001). The latter group also had the highest prevalence of low physical activity levels (p < 0.001). Participants engaging in moderate-intensity PA had a lower cardiovascular risk compared to those engaging in high- and low-intensity PA (40.0% versus 56.0% and 48.8%, respectively). Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk remains high among older patients, particularly those who are sedentary and have low levels of physical activity.