Related Experiment Videos
[Modification of the lipid profile in coronary patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation]
Insights
Continuous exercise training in cardiac rehabilitation significantly improved lipid profiles, especially HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, aiding secondary prevention of heart disease. This exercise program benefits coronary patients by favorably modifying their lipid profiles.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Exercise Physiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) management includes cardiac rehabilitation programs.
- Lipid profile modification is crucial for secondary prevention in cardiac patients.
- The impact of continuous, controlled exercise on lipid profiles in this population requires further assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of continuous and controlled exercise training on lipid profiles in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.
- To assess changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and the HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio.
- To determine the program's impact on weight and body mass index.
Main Methods:
- Forty-nine male patients (mean age 56.8 years) in a cardiac rehabilitation program were studied.
- Patients were categorized into two groups: training phase (III) and maintenance phase (IV).
- Lipid profiles, weight, and body mass index were measured at admission and at the end of each phase.
Main Results:
- The maintenance phase showed a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (19.5%, p=0.003) and HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio (33.3%, p<0.0001).
- A significant reduction in triglycerides (36%, p=0.004) was observed in patients with initial values >200 mg/dl.
- No significant changes were noted in total cholesterol, weight, or body mass index.
Conclusions:
- Participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program with continuous exercise favorably modifies lipid profiles in coronary patients.
- Significant improvements were observed in HDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio, and triglycerides (in specific subgroups).
- These findings suggest potential benefits for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.
Abstract:
To assess the effect of continuous and controlled exercise training on the lipid profile of coronary pts. in a cardiac rehabilitation program, we evaluated forty-nine males aged 56.8 +/- 9.6 years, thirty-two with previous surgical myocardial revascularization, two submitted to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and fifteen on exclusive pharmacological therapy. Patients with changes in drugs that could potentially induce modifications in serum lipid values, were excluded. The values of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, the HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio, weight and the body mass index at admission of training phase, end of training phase (III)-21 patients (Group I) and maintenance (IV)-28 patients (Group II), were assessed. The training phase (III) had a duration of 3-4 months and maintenance (IV) nine months. In Group I, evaluated at the end of the training period (phase III), there was no significant modification in lipid profile reduction; only 1% and 20% reduction (p = NS) in values of total cholesterol and triglycerides, was detected. The HDL-cholesterol rose 12.5% (p = NS), and the HDL cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio 10.5% (p = NS). In Group II (at the end of the maintenance phase-IV-) there was no important change in total cholesterol levels. The HDL-cholesterol rose 19.5% (p = 0.003) and the HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio, also increased 33.3% (p < 0.0001). The benefit in relation to triglycerides was restricted to patients with higher values (> 200 mg/dl), where a reduction of 36% (p = 0.004) was found. There was no change in the weight or in body mass index, induced by the program. We concluded that the participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program induces a favourable modification of lipid profile in our population, with potential interest for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. This change was particularly in serum values of triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and the ratio HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol. In what concerns triglycerides, the benefits were seen only in the group of patients with the highest serum values.