Association of Leisure-time Physical Activity with Perceived General Health Status Among Hypertensive People: an Analysis of NHANES 2015-18

Although leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) improves general health, little is known about its impacts on the health of hypertensive people within the United States. We investigated the general health of hypertensive people and the relationship between LTPA and general health within this population. This cross-sectional study analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-18 data. None, some, and high LTPA were defined as '0', '>0 but <150', and '≥150' minutes of LTPA in each week, respectively. Hypertension was defined as the systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥130/80 mmHg or taking BP-lowering drugs. General health status was dichotomized as whether participants reported 'very good to excellent' health status or not. After descriptive analysis, logistic regression was performed. Among 8504 participants (48.6% male and mean age: 48.2 years), about 47.9%, 41.4%, and 39.5% of people had hypertension, 'very good to excellent' health, and high LTPA, respectively. The odds of 'very good to excellent' health was lower among hypertensives than those without hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6-0.8, p < 0.001). Among hypertensive individuals, about one-third reported 'very good to excellent' health (33.1%) and high LTPA (32.0%). Lastly, compared to people with no LTPA, those with some (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.0, p < 0.05) and high (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.7-3.0, p < 0.001) LTPA had greater odds of 'very good to excellent' health. We found positive relationships between LTPA and 'very good to excellent' health of hypertensive people. Therefore, improving general health could be an added advantage of LTPA for hypertensive people.