Cardiovascular Risk Reduction by Lipid Management Are Lifestyle Interventions Effective at Reducing Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol?

Abstract

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, with hyperlipidaemia being a major modifiable risk factor. While pharmacological interventions, particularly statins, are cornerstone therapies, lifestyle modifications involving diet and exercise offer a promising and potentially more accessible alternative or adjunct for managing cardiovascular risk. This systematic review aims to synthesise current evidence on the efficacy of various dietary and exercise interventions in reducing low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and other cardiovascular risk markers.

Methodology

An advanced search on PubMed and Web of Science was conducted by searching for the key words and phrases, some of which were generated using the MeSH tool. The articles selected were limited to randomised control trials (RCTs), systematic reviews of RCTs and meta-analyses. Out of all the search results, twenty-seven were selected for this review, nineteen of which were relevant to diet modifications, and eight to exercise management.

Result

Addition of various dietary components like soy protein, red yeast rice, almonds, and dietary fibres have proven to be beneficial for managing cardiovascular (CVD) risk by reducing serum LDL-C. Exercise and increased physical activity appeared to be less effective at lowering serum LDL-C but are still beneficial for increasing serum HDL-C and lowering triglyceride levels, ultimately reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Combined dietary and exercise strategies appear to yield the most comprehensive benefits, suggesting a need for integrated patient guidance.