Key result
Reduced physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown significantly increased total cholesterol (+6.8%) and LDL (+15.8%) (p < 0.01) in dyslipidemic patients at high cardiovascular risk.
Why the study?
COVID-19 lockdown measures limited daily physical exercise, but the effects of this reduced physical activity on the lipid profile in patients at high cardiovascular risk remained to be evaluated.
Does reduced physical activity during COVID-19 lockdown worsen the lipid profile in dyslipidemic patients at high cardiovascular risk?
Observational (n=38)
Does reduced physical activity during COVID-19 lockdown worsen the lipid profile in dyslipidemic patients at high cardiovascular risk?
p-value: p=<0.01
Reduced physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown significantly worsened LDL and total cholesterol levels in high-risk dyslipidemic patients despite ongoing statin therapy.
Supports lipid monitoring during reduced activity in high-risk patients; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective confirmation.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global health problem. In Italy, to limit the infections, the government ordered lockdown from March 2020. This measure, designed to contain the virus, led to serious limitations on the daily life of the individuals it affected, and in particular in the limitation of physical exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of reduced physical activity on the lipid profile in patients with high cardiovascular risk. Methods: We enrolled 38 dyslipidemic patients, 56% male, with an age range of 44–62 years, considered to be at high cardiovascular risk. All patients were prescribed statin drug therapy (atorvastatin 40 mg) and a vigorous physical activity program four times a week, 1 h per session. In addition, a personalized Mediterranean diet was prescribed to all the patients. Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides were measured in patients at T0 before lockdown and at T1 during lockdown. Results: Data showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in total cholesterol (+6,8%) and LDL (+15,8%). Furthermore, the analysis of the data revealed a reduction in HDL (−3%) and an increase in triglycerides (+3,2%), although both were not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our study showed that the reduction in physical activity during lockdown led to an increase in LDL levels, and therefore, in the risk of ischemic heart disease in dyslipidemic patients with high cardiovascular risk.
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Perrone et al. (2021) conducted an observational in Dyslipidemia with high cardiovascular risk (n=38). Reduced physical activity (COVID-19 lockdown) vs. Baseline (before lockdown) was evaluated on Lipid profile (total cholesterol and LDL) (p=<0.01). Reduced physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown significantly increased total cholesterol (+6.8%) and LDL (+15.8%) (p < 0.01) in dyslipidemic patients at high cardiovascular risk.
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