Limitations to functioning and independent living after the onset of coronary heart disease: what is the role of lifestyle factors and obesity?

"Conflicts of interest : None declared."

"Funding The Whitehall II study is supported by grants from the Medical Research Council (G0902037), British Heart Foundation (RG/07/008/23674), Stroke Association, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (5RO1 HL036310) and National Institute on Aging (5RO1AG13196 and 5RO1AG034454). Medical Research Council (Funding for Open Access publication charges). Conflicts of interest: None declared. Key pointsWhat is already known on this subject? The fatality rate from CHD has fallen and the number of people living with heart disease has risen.People with heart disease have a higher risk of having functional limitations than their same-age counterparts without disease.There is a social gradient in functional limitations in the general population with people lowest in the spectrum faring worse.Identification of modifiable lifestyle factors that reduce the risk of limitations among those with heart disease is needed. What this study adds? Among people with coronary disease, those with low physical activity levels and those who are overweight or obese before and after disease onset are more likely to experience difficulties in daily living activities.There is a strong social gradient in functional limitations among those living with CHD.Maintaining adequate physical activity levels and controlling body weight across the life-course may preserve functioning and the chances of living independently after the onset of CHD."