Myocardial perfusion and regression of coronary artery disease in patients on a regimen of intensive physical exercise and low fat diet.
This intervention program tested the applicability and effects of intensive physical exercise and a low fat diet on progression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions and stress-induced myocardial ischemia in patients with stable angina pectoris. Eighteen patients participated in this program for 1 year; they consumed a low fat, low cholesterol diet (less than 20 energy % fat, cholesterol less than 200 mg/day) and exercised for greater than 3 h/week. Change in coronary morphology was assessed by angiography and digital image processing; stress-induced myocardial ischemia was measured by thallium-201 scintigraphy. Results were compared with those in patients receiving "usual care." In the intervention group, significant regression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions was noted in 7 of the 18 patients; no change or progression was present in 11 patients. In patients receiving usual care, regression was detected in only 1, with no change or progression in 11 patients (different from intervention, p less than 0.05). There was a significant reduction in stress-induced myocardial ischemia, which was not limited to patients with regression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, regular physical exercise and a low fat diet may retard progression of coronary artery disease; however, improvement of myocardial perfusion may be achieved independently from regression of stenotic lesions.
Schuler
G
G
Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Abteilung Innere Medizin III, Heidelberg, Germany.
Hambrecht
R
R
Schlierf
G
G
Grunze
M
M
Methfessel
S
S
Hauer
K
K
Kübler
W
W
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003326:Coronary Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012074:Remission Induction; D012307:Risk Factors; D013794:Thallium Radioisotopes
D004041:Dietary Fats; D013794:Thallium Radioisotopes