DefinePK

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease accounts for major cause of morbidity and mortality and is linked with dyslipidemias. Exercise has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol, which in turn has protective effects against cardiovascular disorders. The purpose of our study was to see the extent of rise in HDL cholesterol with different level of exercise and its benefit in reduction of cardiovascular events.\nMethod: This study was carried out at KRL Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan from 1st March 2021 to 30th June 2021. A total of 300 participants between age 30 to 80 years were taken as a study population who exercise either daily or 5 times a week for the last 5 years. HDL levels were compared with exercise frequency and resultant effect of HDL rise on cardiovascular events was calculated. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used for data analysis. Data of study patients were stated as number of patients and percentages.\nResults: Out of 300, 58.3% (n=175) were males and 48.7% (n=125) were females. Male to female ratio was 1.4:1. Among this cohort those who exercise daily were 48.7% (n=146) whereas 47.3% (n=142) were doing 3 times a week and 4% (n=12) were doing it occasionally. Among the study group 33.7% (n=101) were diabetics and 96.3% (n=289) never had any cardiac event. A mean HDL C of 57 mg/dl was found in persons exercising daily or 5 times a week but a mean HDL of 45 mg/dl in occasional exercisers (p-value 0.001). Subjects with mean HDL of 57.2 mg/dl didn’t experience any ischemic cardiac event, those with 51.4 mg/dl experiencing a single ischemic event and those with HDL-C of 48mg/dl had more than one ischemic events (P-value < 0.05).\nConclusion: Exercise has a significant effect on rise in HDL-C levels. This has substantial protective value in primary prevention of coronary artery disease. There was no relation between mean BMI and ischemic events.