Abstract 9923: Cardiac Rehabilitation Reduces Levels of Oxidized LDL

Abstract

Background: Oxidized LDLs have been shown to play an important role in atherosclerosis progression. However, no established methods are available for effectively reducing oxidized LDL levels. Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) with exercise training prevents atherosclerosis progression. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether CR reduces oxidized LDL levels.

Methods and Results: We measured the levels of malondialdehyde-modified LDL (MDA-LDL), a marker of oxidized LDL, in 118 patients who were enrolled for a 6-month CR program. Peak VO₂ and MDA-LDL levels were examined before and at 6 months after enrolment in 55 patients who completed the CR program (CR group) and in 63 patients who failed to continue the CR program (non-CR group). At 6 months, the peak VO₂ in the CR group was significantly higher than the baseline value (1131 ± 364 to 1327 ± 442 ml/min, p < 0.01). At 6 months, the MDA-LDL level was significantly lower than the baseline value in the CR group (111 ± 43 to 89 ± 25 U/l, p < 0.05) but this difference was not significant in the non-CR group. The increase in peak VO₂ was inversely correlated with the decrease in the MDA-LDL level (r = -0.40, p < 0.01). This correlation was observed even in patients who had not just started statin therapy.

Conclusion: The CR program significantly reduced oxidized LDL levels in association with increase in exercise capacity. Thus, CR may exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect through reduction of oxidized LDLs.