P.13 Pulse Wave Velocity Trajectories during COVID-19 Epidemic: Effect of Lockdown on Cardiovascular Health

Abstract

Aim

To investigate PWV trajectories before and during the lockdown period among Withings Body Cardio bathroom scale users in France, in which a strict total lockdown was imposed, and Germany, in which partial social distancing measures were adopted.

Methods

The study population is constituted by Withings BodyCardio Bathroom scale users with at least one recorded weight in the period from week 8 (start 17 February 2020) to week 17 of 2020 (end 26 April 2020) in France (n = 14,131) and Germany (n = 20,104). Subgroup analysis in owner of activity trackers and the blood pressure (BP) oscillometric devices were conducted. Linear growth curve modeling and clustering trajectories analysis were used.

Results

French participants experienced during total lockdown a marked reduction in PWV, weight and physical activity, with no change in B P. German participants showed a higher PWV at baseline (difference 0.29 m/s, p < 0.0001), but French participants showed a steeper reduction over time (difference in slope –0.8 cm/s/week, p < 0.0001). Conversely, German participants had a greater weight at baseline than French participants, but also a greater weight reduction during lockdown, with a marginal reduction in PWV. In the French population three clusters were identified: decreasing (24.4%), stable (56.6%) and increasing PWV (19.0%). Decreasing and increasing PWV clusters had similarly higher PWV at baseline than stable PWV cluster, whereas only decreasing PWV cluster showed a significant weight reduction (−500 g).

Conclusion

Total lockdown induced a reduction in PWV in a significant proportion of French bathroom scale users, thus representing an opportunity to improve their cardiovascular health.