Combined reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peripheral artery disease in sedentary elders with functional limitations

Objectives: Because they are potentially modifiable and may coexist, we evaluated the combined occurrence of a reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), including its association with exertional symptoms, physical inactivity, and impaired mobility, in sedentary elders with functional limitations.

Design: Cross sectional.

Setting: Lifestyle Interventions and Independence in Elder (LIFE) Study.

Participants: A total of 1307 sedentary community-dwelling persons, mean age 78.9, with functional limitations (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] <10).

Measurements: A reduced FEV1 was defined by a z-score less than -1.64 (<lower limit of normal), whereas PAD was defined by an ankle-brachial index less than 1.00. Exertional dyspnea was defined as moderate to severe (modified Borg index) immediately after a 400-meter walk test (400MWT). Exertional leg symptoms were established by the San Diego Claudication Questionnaire. Physical inactivity was evaluated by percent of accelerometry wear-time with activity less than 100 counts per minute (top quartile established high sedentary time). Mobility was evaluated by the 400MWT (gait speed <0.8 m/s defined as slow) and SPPB (≤ 7 defined moderate-to-severe mobility impairment).

Results: A combined reduced FEV1 and PAD was established in 6.0% (78/1307) of participants. However, among those who had a reduced FEV1, 34.2% (78/228) also had PAD, whereas 20.8% (78/375) of those who had PAD also had a reduced FEV1. The 2 combined conditions were associated with exertional dyspnea (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 2.59 [1.20-5.60]) and slow gait speed (adjOR 3.15 [1.72-5.75]) but not with exertional leg symptoms, high sedentary time, and moderate-to-severe mobility impairment.

Conclusions: In sedentary community-dwelling elders with functional limitations, a reduced FEV1 and PAD frequently coexisted and, in combination, were strongly associated with exertional dyspnea and slow gait speed (a frailty indicator that increases the risk of deleterious outcomes).