Evidence of Lifestyle Modification in the Management of Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Background:Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The growth of ageing populations in developing countries with progressively urbanized lifestyles are major contributors. The key risk factors for CHD such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity are likely to increase in the future. These risk factors are modifiable through lifestyle. Objectives: To review current literature on the potential benefit of cholesterol lowering in CHD risk reduction with a particular focus on the evidence of non-pharmacological/lifestyle management of hypercholesterolemia. Methods:Medline/PubMed systematic search was conducted using a two-tier approach limited to all recent English language papers. Primary search was conducted using key words and phrases and all abstracts were subsequently screened and relevant papers were selected. The next tier of searching was conducted by (1) reviewing the citation lists of the selected papers and (2) by using PubMed weblink for related papers. Over 3600 reports were reviewed.Results:Target cholesterol levels set out in various guidelines could be achieved by lifestyle changes, including diet, weight reduction, and increased physical activity with the goal of reducing total cholesterol to <200 mg/dL and LDL-C <100mg/dL. Various dietary constituents such as green tea, plant sterols, soy protein have important influences on total cholesterol. Medical intervention should be reserved for those patients who have not reached this goal after 3 months of non-pharmacological approach. Conclusion:CHD remains as a leading cause of death worldwide and hypercholesterolemia is an important cause of CHD. Non-pharmacological methods provide initial as well as long-term measures to address this issue.

Comparison of Lipid and Apolipoprotein Profiles Following Two Exercise Protocols in Overweight Females

“…Longitudinal follow-up studies of the patients with CVDs have demonstrated that there are likely declines in lipid profiles following training program (18). In the present study, it was seen that following 8-week exercise programs, the mean apoA-I levels significantly increased as well as HDL-C in EG and RG.…”

Effect of Change in Total Cholesterol Levels on Cardiovascular Disease Among Young Adults

“…Although the reasons for change in cholesterol levels cannot be determined, we can assume that such decrease would be achieved mostly by statin medication or lifestyle intervention. Well‐established lifestyle management includes diet, increased physical activity, and weight control 24, 25. However, only 10% to 42% of young adults meet the optimal physical activity levels recommended26, 27 and the prevalence of obesity among young adults is persistently increasing not only in Korea28 but also globally 29.…”

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Self-Management for Improving Risk Factor Control in Stroke Patients

“…Contrary to these findings, the effect of self-management on medical risk factors was not significant. The efficacy of lifestyle modification at improving blood pressure [46][47]and glucose control [48], as well as lowering cholesterol [49] is well established. A path in which lifestyle behaviour modification precedes changes to medical conditions is thus implied and represents a plausible explanation as to why a significant effect was observed on lifestyle behaviour but not medical risk factors.…”