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Exercise
May Lower Protein Tied to Heart Disease
Regular exercise may help cut blood levels of a protein
linked to inflammation and increased heart disease risk,
researchers reported at a meeting of the American College
of Cardiology.
In a study of nearly 3,000 adults, Harvard researchers found
that those who got the most exercise had the lowest levels
of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation that
has been tied to the risk of artery disease, heart attack
and stroke.
In fact, the same researchers recently found in a large
study of women that CRP levels were better predictors of
heart attack and other cardiovascular problems than levels
of "bad" LDL cholesterol were -- although there's
no agreement yet on whether people's CRP levels should be
routinely checked.
These latest findings "have enormous public health
implications," study author Dr. Michelle A. Albert
reported at the meeting.
"Physical activity may attenuate inflammation and modify
cardiovascular risk without drug therapy," she said.
The study involved 2,833 men and women, 41 percent of whom
had a history of coronary artery disease. Participants were
divided into four groups based on exercise habits: those
who exercised less than once a week; once a week; two or
three times a week; or at least four times a week.
According to Albert, the typical CRP level declined with
increasing exercise. And the relationship was seen in all
subgroups, including smokers, nonsmokers and those with
and without heart disease.
"There was a progressive drop in CRP levels with exercise,
even after adjusting for smoking, lipid (cholesterol) levels
and age," Albert said.
But greater exercise-related drops in CRP were seen in men
than in women, she noted.
The reason is unclear, but Albert speculated that women
may engage in less intense exercise or may have a lower
overall activity level than men.
Article Source: Reuters Health
Article Author: N/A
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