Changes in Lifestyle Could Boost Heart Health

A recent study published in the journal, Lipids in Health and Disease, suggests that lifestyle changes can help when it comes to your risk of heart disease. It can also help you to lower your cholesterol levels.

The researchers in this study examined the effects of lifestyle changes in roughly 146 participants who either already had established coronary heart disease or had the risk factors for it (such as diabetes). Half of these individuals underwent the following lifestyle changes during the study and had to keep an awareness journal regarding them:

• A vegetarian diet low in fat, that emphasized plenty of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and soy.
• Approximately 180 minutes of aerobic exercise.
• One hour of dedicated to stress management, which could range from deep breathing exercises to yoga.
• One hour group sessions per week that emphasized adherance to the changes and determined progress.

The remaining participants just received standard care from their healthcare provider. These researchers examined cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight over a year.

They found that LDL cholesterol, as well as oxidized LDL, were reduced through lifestyle modification (8.3% and 9.5%, respectively). LDL particle size was also increased in those individuals in the lifestyle modification group. Other risk factors for coronary heart disease, such as weight, blood pressure, and physical activity, were also improved in the lifestyle modification group in comparison to the group of participants just receiving standard care.

This is just one of many studies that echo the benefits of making positive changes in your lifestyle to lower your risk of heart disease. Although the end results may be modest, making these healthy adjustments now can help to improve your general health -- especially your heart health -- down the road.

More about lifestyle and your heart:

• What Are Your Risk Factors for Heart Disease?
• Making Changes to Your Lifestyle to Lower Cholesterol