Exercise and Hyperlipidemia

The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

Based on guidelines provided by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Condition Overview:

Hyperlipidemia refers to an increase in the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. Triglycerides and lipids are transported in the body by proteins (specifically lipoproteins), and it is the disruption of the balance of transport that leads to hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease due to the increased levels of cholesterol and therefore a disposition towards atherosclerosis.

The condition is often dependant on the following factors:

• Gender
• Age
• Body fat distribution
• Nutrition
• Cigarette smoking
• Some medications
• Genetic predisposition
• Physical activity levels

Short Term Response to Exercise:

The primary condition does not manifest in a response to exercise, though secondary conditions (such as coronary artery disease) will have an effect.

Long Term Response to Exercise:

Exercise is an effective strategy in the treatment of hyperlipidemia due to:

• Reductions in triglyceride levels.
• Increases in (favourable) high density lipoproteins.
• Increases in lipoprotein metabolism.

Exercise has a secondary benefit, in reducing the causative effects of hyperlipidemia through weight loss and reduced body fat.

Condition Management:

Weight loss through dietary modification and exercise is a primary method of management. These strategies are highly effective with long term exercise adherence. Pharmacological intervention is also used as an effective method of treatment.

Durstine, N. F. et. al., (2003). Hyperlipidemia. In: Durstine, J. L., Moore, G. E. (2003), ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 2nd Ed. (pp 142-148) American College of Sports Medicine, Human Kinetics.