Beneficial effects on blood pressure and lipid profile of programmed exercise training in subjects with white coat hypertension

BACKGROUND: Patients with white coat hypertension comprise a substantial portion of the hypertensive population. Previous reports have shown that moderate-intensity regular exercise training in patients with mild hypertension usually reduces blood pressure (BP), but there is a lack of data regarding individuals with white coat hypertension. This study was performed to evaluate whether programmed exercise was effective in reducing BP in patients with white coat hypertension and whether it also had beneficial effects on other biochemical parameters. METHODS: A total of 42 patients (23 men and 19 women) with white coat hypertension (mean 24-h ambulatory BP 119.2 +/- 6.6/78.3 +/- 5.8 mm Hg) were divided randomly into two groups: control (n = 20) (no exercise), and moderate-intensity exercise (n = 22). The training group exercised three times per week at the prescribed exercise intensity using a treadmill exercise program. Blood pressure, heart rate, and biochemical parameters were monitored every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Significant reductions in clinic and ambulatory BPs were seen in the exercise group after only 4 weeks regular exercise training and these persisted over the 12-week study. The mean maximal reductions in clinic BP were 11 mm Hg for systolic and 5 mm Hg for diastolic pressure. Significant reductions were found in plasma total cholesterol (-6.1%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (-14.1%), and triglyceride (-11.4%). Elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (+11.2%) was also noted. CONCLUSIONS: These data, which are clinically significant, suggest that 12 weeks of exercise training can result in successful reduction of BP and favorable changes in the lipid profile that would be beneficial to patients with white coat hypertension.     

Progression of coronary artery calcium in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) has been previously associated with atherosclerotic plaque disease and coronary events. Thus, identifying predictors of CAC progression may provide new insights for early risk-factor intervention and subsequent reduction of the rates of more severe atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for CAC progression and evaluate whether risk-factor change was related to CAC progression in a cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Participants in the Pittsburgh EDC Study, a prospective investigation of childhood-onset type 1 DM, who underwent 2 electron beam tomographic screenings 4 years apart were selected for study (n = 222). CAC was calculated using the Agatston method of scoring, and progression was defined as an increase >2.5 in the square root-transformed CAC score. Adjusting for DM duration and initial CAC score, body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR] 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.26), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.003 to 1.03), and albumin excretion rate (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.63) were associated with CAC progression. When considering change in risk factors, an increase in BMI (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.72) was also associated with CAC progression after adjustment. In conclusion, in this cohort with type 1 DM, in addition to baseline BMI, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, albumin excretion rate, and all known coronary artery disease risk factors, weight gain further added to the prediction of CAC progression. Thus, weight control, in addition to lipid and renal management, may help retard atherosclerosis progression in persons with type 1 DM.     

Multifactor cardiovascular disease risk reduction in medically underserved, high-risk patients

Few data exist on the effectiveness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-reduction programs in patients with limited access to health care. The objective of this project was to evaluate a disease management approach to multifactor CVD risk reduction in patients with limited or no health insurance and low family income. Patients (n = 148) were recruited from not-for-profit or free clinics and hospitals and randomized to usual care or usual care plus team case management. Mean age was 59.3 years, 57% were women, 50% had less than a high school education, 57% were Hispanic, and 64% had no health insurance. All had > or =1 increased risk factor for CVD, and 24.5% had documented coronary artery disease. Follow-up measurements were obtained at 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes were low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. The disease management program was supervised by a physician, delivered by nurses and dietitians, and included comprehensive lifestyle changes and medications. Data were collected on 91% of patients at 12 months. Disease management produced clinically important decreases in selected risk factors compared with usual care, including systolic blood pressure (p <0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p <0.03). More patients with disease management than those with usual care moved from "high" and "very-high" risk to lower risk categories for selected risk factors. In conclusion, the disease management program had excellent retention and lower CVD risk factors and demonstrated the potential of such approaches for decreasing long-term disease burden in selected medically underserved populations.     

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Training in Older Persons

Despite the well-proved benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training, older persons are frequently not referred to or vigorously encouraged to pursue this therapy after major coronary heart disease (CHD) events. Therefore, we determined the effects of this therapy on plasma lipids, indices of obesity, and exercise capacity in older CHD patients compared with the benefits obtained in a younger cohort. At baseline, the older persons had lower body mass indices (BMI), triglycerides levels, and estimated metabolic equivalent (METs), and the elderly had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Most other parameters were statistically similar in the older and younger patients. After cardiac rehabilitation, the elderly had significant improvements in METs, BMI, percent body fat, HDL-C, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C but not in total cholesterol or LDL-C. However, improvements in all of these parameters were statistically similar in older and younger patients. We conclude that despite baseline differences, improvements in exercise capacity, obesity indices, and lipid levels were statistically similar in older and younger patients enrolled in formal, phase II, cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training programs. Therefore, our data emphasized that the elderly should not be categorically denied the benefits of vigorous secondary CHD prevention, including formal cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training programs.     

Einfluss der Lipidstoffwechselparameter auf die Entstehung und Progression der koronaren Herzerkrankung

Disorders of lipid metabolism play a major role in the development and progression of coronary artery disease. Dyslipidemia therefore plays a central role in therapeutic approaches for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular events associated with coronary artery disease. Epidemiological studies have shown an association between various lipid metabolism parameters, the risk of developing coronary artery disease and progression of a pre-existing disease. In particular, increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), reduced levels of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), as well as high levels of triglycerides and increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels can be taken into account when assessing the risk stratification of patients for primary prevention of coronary artery disease. Lifestyle and dietary changes, intensified statin therapy and possibly the addition of ezetimibe remain the major interventions in both primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, as they improve the prognosis particularly by lowering levels of LDL-C. Recently, genetic studies have contributed to extending our understanding of the relationship between lipid metabolism and coronary artery disease. A causal role for progression of coronary artery disease could be demonstrated for LDL-C, Lpa and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL), which could not be demonstrated for HDL-C in various studies. Furthermore, the effect of reduction of LDL-C by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition and by the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor anacetrapib on cardiovascular events is currently being investigated in large clinical outcome study programs.     

Improving lipid evaluation and management in medicare patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: The control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in patients with known coronary artery disease, particularly in those with acute myocardial infarction, has been shown to reduce the rates of disease progression, recurrent events, and mortality. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and improve hospital-based processes for measuring and treating, when necessary, LDL-C levels above 3.36 mmol/L (>130 mg/dL) in patients with an acute myocardial infarction. DESIGN: A nonrandomized retrospective baseline study followed by a collaborative educational intervention with participating hospitals and a second nonrandomized postintervention study. PATIENTS: Four hundred six preintervention patients discharged from the hospital alive after a confirmed acute myocardial infarction in 1996, and 498 postintervention patients discharged from the hospital in 1999. INTERVENTIONS: Performance of lipid profiles on admission to the hospital and during hospitalization and drug and dietary interventions. RESULTS: The measurement of LDL-C level on admission to the hospital increased from 8% preintervention in 1996 to 32% postintervention in 1999. The measurement during hospitalization increased from 14% preintervention to 48% postintervention. Hospitals that initiated programs to ensure early lipid evaluations through preprinted orders and policy changes achieved an average patient LDL-C measurement rate of 70% in 1999. Hospitals lacking standard policies averaged only 23% at the same time. Of the patients with a measured LDL-C level greater than 3.36 mmol/L (>130 mg/dL) who were not undergoing drug therapy on admission to the hospital, 46% were given lipid-lowering agents by discharge from the hospital during the postintervention period. During this same period, only 11% of the patients were prescribed this therapy if they had either a lower measured level or no LDL-C measurement at all. CONCLUSION: Active hospital-based programs to ensure routine LDL-C measurements in patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction increased the use of appropriate lipid-lowering therapy in these high-risk individuals and could contribute to reducing the incidence of recurrent coronary artery disease.     

Physical exercise and atherosclerosis: proatherogenic effects of high and moderate intensity static exercise on blood lipid transport system

Effects of high (100 and 80 kg) and moderate (60 kg) intensity static leg exercise on blood serum lipoproteins and apolipoproteins (apo) A1 and B were studied in healthy subjects (n=11) and patients with coronary heart disease and class I angina (n=11). Static leg exercise with loads exceeding 60 kg were associated with atherogenic changes of blood lipid transport system: elevation of levels of triglycerides, apoprotein B and apo B/A ratio both in healthy subjects and patients, and of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients. These post exercise changes were more pronounced in the presence of fasting hyperlipidemia and their severity increased with increase in duration of exercise. Static leg exercise did not increase concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. For prevention of post exercise atherogenic dyslipidemia it is expedient to supplement strength training programs with dynamic exercise of moderate intensity.     

Nurse case management of hypercholesterolemia in patients with coronary heart disease: results of a randomized clinical trial

Background Despite the large body of evidence confirming the effectiveness of lipid lowering for the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) events, undertreatment of hyperlipidemia is common. This study tested the effectiveness of a nurse case management program to lower blood lipids in patients with CHD. Methods A total of 228 consecutive, eligible adults with hypercholesterolemia and CHD were recruited during hospitalization after coronary revascularization. Patients were randomized to receive lipid management, including individualized lifestyle modification and pharmacologic intervention, from a nurse practitioner for 1 year after discharge in addition to their usual care (NURS), or to usual care enhanced with feedback on lipids to their primary provider and/or cardiologist (EUC). Results Significantly more patients in the NURS group than in the EUC group achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels <2.59 mmol/dL (100 mg/dL, 65% vs 35%, P = .0001). Favorable changes in lipids and lipoproteins were accompanied by significant improvements in dietary and exercise patterns in the NURS group. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for other covariates, being assigned to the NURS group (P = .0001) and being on a lipid-lowering medication (P = .001) were significant independent predictors of LDL-C level. Conclusions Control of hypercholesterolemia in patients who have undergone coronary revascularization can be improved by a nurse case-management program. Because the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines have broadened the definition of high-risk populations that warrant aggressive treatment, nurse case-management programs may offer key opportunities to enhance appropriate application of new treatment paradigms. (Am Heart J 2002;144:678-86.)     

Disparate effects of improving aerobic exercise capacity and quality of life after cardiac rehabilitation in young and elderly coronary patients

PURPOSE: Although cardiopulmonary exercise variables predict prognosis, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), these variables have not been assessed fully before and after exercise training in elderly with CAD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of formal Phase II cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training programs on cardiopulmonary variables and QoL in elderly and younger CAD patients. METHODS: The authors analyzed consecutive patients before and after Phase II cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training programs, and compared exercise cardiopulmonary data and data from validated questionnaires assessing QoL (MOS SF-36) and function in 125 younger patients (< 55 years; mean 48 +/- 6 years) and 57 elderly (> 70 years; mean 78 +/- 3 years). RESULTS: At baseline, elderly patients had lower estimated aerobic exercise capacity (-27%; P < 0.001), peak oxygen consumption (VO2) (-19%; P < 0.01), and anaerobic threshold (-10%; P < 0.05), as well as total function scores (-11%; P < 0.01) and total QoL scores (-5%; P = 0.06). Commonly used prediction equations greatly overestimated aerobic exercise capacity compared with precise measurements using cardiopulmonary testing both before (+23% and +12% in younger and elderly patients, respectively) and after the exercise training programs (+51% and +31% in younger and elderly patients, respectively), and more so in younger compared with older patients. After rehabilitation, the elderly had significant improvements in estimated aerobic exercise capacity (+32%; P < 0.0001), peak VO2 (+13%; P < 0.0001), anaerobic threshold (+11%; P = 0.03), total function scores (+27%; P < 0.0001), and total QoL scores (+20%; P < 0.0001). Although younger patients had greater improvements in estimated aerobic exercise capacity (+44% versus +32%; P = 0.08), peak VO2 (+18% versus +13%; P < 0.01), and anaerobic threshold (+17% versus +11%; P = 0.07), the elderly had statistically greater improvements in both function scores (+27% versus +20%; P = 0.02), and total QoL scores (+20% versus +14%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the benefits of precisely determining aerobic exercise capacity by cardiopulmonary function, especially to determine the benefits of an exercise training program. In addition, these data using cardiopulmonary exercise tests and validated assessments of quality of life demonstrate the disparate effects of cardiac rehabilitation programs on improvements in aerobic exercise capacity and QoL in young and elderly with CAD.     

Serumlipoprotein cholesterol in sedentary and trained male patients with coronary heart disease

To demonstrate the influence of exercise training on the lipoprotein cholesterol fractions (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), 65 male patients were examined for cardiovascular function and lipid metabolism, before starting or after having participated in a coronary training group for more than one year. There were notable improvements not only in the physical performance data of the trained patients in reference to the tested maximal performance capacity per body weight (MPC/W) as well as the calculated heart volume performance ratio (HVPR) (MPC/W, +26.0%; HVPR, +18.0%), but also in the lipoprotein cholesterol values and the calculated risk quotient of HDL and total cholesterol (HDL cholesterol, +5.1 mg/dl; LDL cholesterol, +23.3 mg/dl; VLDL cholesterol, +12.5 mg/dl; HDL/total cholesterol, +0.038). The results indicate the positive effect of physical training on lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, and also in CHD patients in coronary training groups.     

The effectiveness of a low lipid diet and exercise in the management of coronary artery disease

To evaluate the effects of a high complex carbohydrate, low lipid diet on the management of coronary artery disease, we reviewed data on 32 patients, who had participated in a diet and exercise program, and compared the results with 40 patients who had been managed only with exercise. After a follow-up period of 10 to 16 weeks the patients on the diet-exercise program showed significant reduction in body weight (-6 +/- 2 kg mean +/- standard deviation), serum cholesterol (-43 +/- 41 mg/dl), and triglycerides (-51 +/- 70 mg/dl), while patients who were managed only with exercise had no significant changes in weight or serum lipids. Both the diet-exercise and the exercise groups showed significant improvement in working capacity and reduction in resting systolic blood pressure. Patients on the diet-exercise program had significantly less angina (21.9%) occurring on the exercise test after the program compared to before, even though the same double product was reached. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the data for patients with angina on the exercise test demonstrated that the only significant (p = 0.004) contributor for reduction in angina was the dietary intervention. Beta-blocking drugs did not affect the results. Although randomized controlled trials must be run in order to ascertain the significance of this finding, this study strongly suggests that a low lipid, high carbohydrate diet is a useful addition to exercise in the management of patients with coronary disease.     

Acebytolol effects on lipid profile

The relation between lipid profile and the incidence of coronary artery disease has been confirmed by the results of epidemiologic and intervention studies. Among antihypertensive agents, β blockers, particularly those without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), are generally reported to have negative effects on lipids, which may increase the risk of coronary artery disease. The ongoing Treatment of Mild Hypertension Study, now in its third year, has evaluated 847 patients to date with regard to lipid profile. Additional end points measured in this multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind study include blood pressure reduction and target organ deterioration. During the trial, all patients received nutritional and behavioral counseling to modify their diet, exercise habits and alcohol and sodium consumption to control their hypertension by nonpharmacologic means. In addition, some patients were randomized to receive low doses of 1 of the 5 classes of antihypertensive medication: acebutolol, a β blocker with ISA (n = 124); amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (n = 122); chlorthalidone, a diuretic (n = 125); doxazosin, an α blocker (n = 128); enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (n = 127) or placebo (n = 221). At 1 year, acebutolol showed a statistically significant (p < 0.001) decrease in total cholesterol (−12.7 mg/dl) compared with placebo (−5.2 mg/dl) and with chlorthalidone (1.0 mg/dl); a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−6.0 mg/dl) compared with placebo (+0.7 mg/dl) and with chlorthalidone (+8.0 mg/dl) and no change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.4 mg/dl).     

Nonpharmacologic therapy for coronary artery atherosclerosis: Results of primary and secondary prevention trials

The association between abnormal serum lipoprotein levels and coronary atherosclerosis has been established by extensive clinical, experimental, and epidemiologic evidence. Recent angiographic trials in patients with coronary artery disease have demonstrated that improvement in serum lipids and other risk factors has a favorable effect on coronary lesions and reduces coronary events and interventions. Most trials of coronary disease prevention have used intensive pharmacologic therapy, but several have involved only nonpharmacologic intervention. The latter investigations include both primary and secondary prevention studies. Three controlled, nonpharmacologic primary prevention trials with long-term follow-up used dietary management aimed at lowering serum cholesterol levels; one trial also included smoking cessation, and one used a comprehensive approach to risk-factor modification. Serum cholesterol levels and other risk factors were significantly decreased in the intervention groups but were unaltered in the control populations. After periods of 5 to 10 years, reductions of 20% to 45% in coronary events were observed in the intervention groups compared with controls. Four secondary intervention trials examined the effect of nonpharmacologic therapy alone on coronary artery disease regression; three of these trials included control groups. All of the trials focused on reduction of elevated serum cholesterol levels with a low-fat diet, and several included interventions for other risk factors. Serum cholesterol levels fell by 14% to 24% in treated patients compared with 4% to 9% in controls. Although these trials were of relatively short duration (1 to 3 years) and included small numbers of patients (36 to 90), each demonstrated favorable effects on coronary lesions and three revealed clinical benefits. It is concluded that nonpharmacologic therapy can significantly improve atherosclerosis risk factors, favorably alter coronary lesions, and potentially reduce coronary events or interventions, which provides a rationale for more aggressive risk-factor management than is currently practiced by many physicians.     

Obese children lipid profile: effects of hypocaloric diet and aerobic physical exercise

Diet and exercise help improve obese adults' lipid profile. However, their effect on obese children, the aim of the present study, is poorly known. Fifty obese children were studied into 2 paired groups: Group D (1,500 - 1,800 kcal diet: 55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, 15% protein), and Group DE (same diet + aerobic physical activity 1 hour/day 3 times a week). After 5 months BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC) and fractions were assessed. No change in triglycerides, TC and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were reported in both groups. However, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased (+10.3%; p< 0.01) only in DE Group. Screening patients with TC > 170 mg/dL, LDL-C > 110 mg/dL and HDL-C < 35 mg/dL we had: similar reduction for TC in both groups (-6.0% x -6.0%; p= ns), LDL-C reduction in both groups (-14.2% x -13.5%; p= ns), and HDL-C increase only in DE Group (+10.0%; p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Hypocaloric diet (HD) + exercise, rather than diet only, increase obese children's HDL-C levels irrespective of baseline levels; 2) HD only and HD + exercise lead to TC and LDL-C reduction in obese children with TC and LDL-C above normal values.     

Multicomponent exercise program improves blood lipid profile and antioxidant capacity in older women

This study intended to determine the effect of multicomponent exercise on blood lipid profile and on antioxidant capacity in older women. Forty women aged 60-80 years participated in a supervised multicomponent exercise program. Plasma contents of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B-100), total antioxidant status (TAS) and the enzymatic activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were evaluated before and after 8-month training. The multicomponent exercise program induced a significant decrease in TG, TC/HDL-C and Apo B/Apo A-1 and a significant increase in HDL-C and Apo A-1 (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in plasma TAS as well as GR and GPx enzyme activities. The present data show that an 8-month supervised moderate-intensity multicomponent exercise program resulted in beneficial improvements of blood lipid profile that were accompanied by positive modulation of antioxidant capacity.     

Therapeutic implications of recent ATP III guidelines and the important role of combination therapy in total dyslipidemia management

The Adult Treatment Panel III report reemphasized the importance of reducing elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as the most efficacious treatment target to reducing coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality, which is the leading cause of disability and death in the United States. Although the etiologic role of elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in atherosclerosis is well established, treatment with statins still leaves a large proportion of patients vulnerable to cardiovascular events. The role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in atherosclerosis is increasingly recognized because of its strong inverse association with coronary heart disease in epidemiologic studies, and the observed high prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol that occurs in populations with coronary heart disease, with or without elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, especially among patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This report highlights some of the therapeutic implications of the Adult Treatment Panel III report and various therapeutic approaches to both lowering elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides as well as increasing low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to optimize clinical event rate reduction in patients with coronary heart disease. Among available dyslipidemic therapies, although statins remain the mainstay for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and clinical events, niacin is currently the most effective agent for increasing low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The importance of combination dyslipidemic therapy, such as a statin plus niacin, in treating more optimally the entire lipid profile has been demonstrated not only to decrease progression and increase regression of atherosclerotic lesions, but to enhance event-free survival compared with statin monotherapy. Combination dyslipidemic therapy affords the most efficacious approach to controlling the multiple lipid abnormalities associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and optimizing cardiovascular event rate reduction in patients with coronary heart disease.     

Treatment effects on serum lipoprotein lipids,apolipoproteins and low density lipoprotein particle size and relationships of lipoprotein variables to progression of coronary artery disease in the Bezafibrate Coronary Atherosclerosis Intervention Trial (BECAIT)

Objectives. To investigate the mechanisms by which bezafibrate retarded the progression of coronary lesions in the Bezafibrate Coronary Atherosclerosis Intervention Trial (BECAIT), we examined the relationships of on-trial lipoproteins and lipoprotein subfractions to the angiographic outcome measurements.Background. BECAIT, the first double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized serial angiographic trial of a fibrate compound, showed that progression of focal coronary atherosclerosis in young survivors of myocardial infarction could be retarded by bezafibrate treatment.Methods. A total of 92 dyslipoproteinemic men who had survived a first myocardial infarction before the age of 45 years were randomly assigned to treatment for 5 years with bezafibrate (200 mg three times daily) or placebo; 81 patients underwent baseline and at least one post-treatment coronary angiography.Results. In addition to the decrease in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (−53%) and triglyceride (−46%) and plasma apolipoprotein (apo) B (−9%) levels, bezafibrate treatment resulted in a significant increase in high density lipoprotein-3 (HDL₃) cholesterol (+9%) level and a shift in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) subclass distribution toward larger particle species (peak particle diameter +0.32 nm). The on-trial HDL₃cholesterol and plasma apo B concentrations were found to be independent predictors of the changes in mean minimum lumen diameter (r = −0.23, p < 0.05), and percent (%) stenosis (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), respectively. Decreases in small dense LDL and/or VLDL lipid concentrations were unrelated to disease progression.Conclusions. Our results suggest that the effect of bezafibrate on progression of focal coronary atherosclerosis could be at least partly attributed to a rise in HDL₃cholesterol and a decrease in the total number of apo B-containing lipoproteins.     

Acebutolol effects on lipid profile

The relation between lipid profile and the incidence of coronary artery disease has been confirmed by the results of epidemiologic and intervention studies. Among antihypertensive agents, beta blockers, particularly those without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), are generally reported to have negative effects on lipids, which may increase the risk of coronary artery disease. The ongoing Treatment of Mild Hypertension Study, now in its third year, has evaluated 847 patients to date with regard to lipid profile. Additional end points measured in this multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind study include blood pressure reduction and target organ deterioration. During the trial, all patients received nutritional and behavioral counselling to modify their diet, exercise habits and alcohol and sodium consumption to control their hypertension by nonpharmacologic means. In addition, some patients were randomized to receive low doses of 1 of the 5 classes of antihypertensive medication: acebutolol, a beta blocker with ISA (n = 124); amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (n = 122); chlorthalidone, a diuretic (n = 125); doxazosin, an alpha blocker (n = 128); enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (n = 127) or placebo (n = 221). At 1 year, acebutolol showed a statistically significant (p less than 0.001) decrease in total cholesterol (-12.7 mg/dl) compared with placebo (-5.2 mg/dl) and with chlorthalidone (1.0 mg/dl); a significant (p less than 0.001) decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-6.0 mg/dl) compared with placebo (+0.7 mg/dl) and with chlorthalidone (+8.0 mg/dl) and no change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.4 mg/dl).     

Effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet program compared to a low-fat diet on fasting lipoprotein subclasses

BACKGROUND: Low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets (LCKD) are effective for weight loss, but concerns remain regarding cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an LCKD program on serum lipoprotein subclasses. METHODS: This was a randomized, two-arm clinical trial in an outpatient research clinic involving overweight, hyperlipidemic community volunteers motivated to lose weight. Subjects were randomized to either an LCKD (n = 59) and nutritional supplementation (including fish, borage and flaxseed oil), or a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet (LFD, n = 60). The main outcomes were fasting serum lipoprotein subclasses determined by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects was 44.9 years, the mean BMI was 34.4 kg/m(2), and 76% were women. Comparing baseline to 6 months, the LCKD group had significant changes in large VLDL (-78%), medium VLDL (-60%), small VLDL (-57%), LDL particle size (+2%), large LDL (+54%), medium LDL (-42%), small LDL (-78%), HDL particle size (+5%), large HDL (+21%), and LDL particle concentration (-11%). Compared with the LFD group, the LCKD group had greater reductions in medium VLDL (p = 0.01), small VLDL (p = 0.01) and medium LDL (p = 0.02), and greater increases in VLDL particle size (p = 0.01), large LDL (p = 0.004), and HDL particle size (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The LCKD with nutritional supplementation led to beneficial changes in serum lipid subclasses during weight loss. While the LCKD did not lower total LDL cholesterol, it did result in a shift from small, dense LDL to large, buoyant LDL, which could lower cardiovascular disease risk.     

Modest effects of exercise training alone on coronary risk factors and body composition in coronary patients

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation programs have evolved to become secondary prevention centers. However, the independent effect of exercise alone on coronary risk factors and body composition in patients with coronary artery disease has not been well studied. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise training alone, without modification of dietary intake, on coronary risk factors and body composition in a coronary population. METHODS: The authors studied 82 coronary patients (23 females and 59 males) aged 61.2 +/- 12.2 years (mean +/- SD) before and after a 3-month exercise training program. Outcome variables included serum lipid values, glucose, insulin, body composition, body fat distribution, macronutrient intake, and peak aerobic capacity. RESULTS: Neither male nor female patients experienced a significant overall improvement in plasma cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, or insulin levels after the 3-month exercise training program. Dietary macronutrient intake was unaltered during the study period. Peak aerobic capacity increased by 3.4 +/- 4.7 ml/kg/min (17%, P < 0.0001) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol increased from 38 +/- 10 to 41 +/- 11 mg/dL (8%, P < 0.001) after the rehabilitation program. Patients with baseline triglyceride levels over 200 mg/dL experienced a 22% decrease (from 374 +/- 205 to 293 +/- 190 mg/dL; P < 0.05) after conditioning. Patients with baseline HDL-cholesterol levels under 35 mg/dL also improved overall by 17% (from 29 +/- 3 to 34 +/- 5 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Exercise-induced changes in plasma HDL-cholesterol were more related to changes in body composition and/or body fat distribution, rather than changes in peak aerobic capacity. CONCLUSION: Exercise conditioning alone resulted in relatively modest risk factor improvements in coronary patients after 3 months. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol measures increased by 3 +/- 8 mg/dL (8%). Patients with baseline triglyceride elevations experienced a 22% decrease. On the other hand, there were no overall effects on body weight, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, or insulin levels. For most patients, exercise effects were minimal and nutritional and medical therapy will need to be used more aggressively to attain nationally recognized risk factor goals.