In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aerobic exercise and fat in the blood (triglycerides) in patients with heart disease. The main finding of the study was that aerobic exercises reduced triglycerides in these patients.
Some background
It was previously thought that LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) was a major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD; heart disease). However, it is now thought that blood triglyceride (TG) levels are an additional cause of CAD. Apolipoprotein C3 (apoC3) is a protein that binds to fats to transport them. It can influence TG levels. Therefore, apoC3 is a promising target for lowering TG levels.
Aerobic exercise is recommended to all patients with CAD. Aerobic exercise is commonly referred to as “cardio” and involves activities such as walking, running, swimming. Aerobic exercise lowers blood fat levels. However, the relationship between apoC3 and aerobic exercise is still unknown.
Methods & findings
This study included 38 patients with CAD. They were randomly assigned to either a non-exercise (19 patients) or an exercise (19 patients) group. The non-exercise group was kept sedentary. The exercise group performed moderate to intensive exercise for 8 weeks. TG levels and apo3 levels were measured on the first day and 8 weeks later.
After 8 weeks of exercise, patients had a significant decrease in both TG levels and apoC3 levels. They also had a significant increase in HDL- cholesterol ("good" cholesterol). There was no change in LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) or body weight. TG levels decreasing were associated with the apoC3 levels decreasing.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that aerobic exercise could decrease TG levels in patients with CAD by targeting apoC3.
The fine print
This study had a very small number of participants. Therefore, larger studies are required for more solid evidence.
Published By :
Clinical cardiology
Date :
Dec 03, 2018
