The Effects of Reduced Physical Activity on the Lipid Profile in Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk during COVID-19 Lockdown

Marco Alfonso Perrone, Alessandro Feola, Massimo Pieri, Bruno Donatucci, Chiara Salimei, Mauro Lombardo, Andrea Perrone and Attilio Parisi
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Marco Alfonso Perrone: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Alessandro Feola: Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
Massimo Pieri: Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Bruno Donatucci: University Sports Centre, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Chiara Salimei: Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Mauro Lombardo: Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
Andrea Perrone: Department of Management Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Attilio Parisi: Department of Movement, Human and Health Science, University of Rome Foro Italico, 00135 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-9

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: physical activity; COVID-19; LDL; cholesterol; cardiovascular risk (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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