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Evidence summary (Updated 2022)
A large body of good quality randomised controlled data shows physical activity will have a positive effect on general health by reducing the prevalence of vascular risk factors of high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure(1,2).
Gao et al, specifically look at yoga as an intervention compared to controls and found significant reductions in triglycerides and improvements in HDL cholesterol. In addition improvements in BMI were also noted and all constitute improved risk factors for CVD.(3)
When considering the intervention types while both HIIT and moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, MICT was superior compared to HIIT (p<0.001, -3.61mmHg and -2.37mmHg respectively).(4) HIIT has also been shown to generally have better evidence supporting improvements in serum HDL (SMD=0.55, 95%CI 0.06 to 1.03, I2=0%) in patients after PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) in a SR and MA of 6 RCTs of 247 patients.(5)
Quality of evidence
B- Moderate quality
Strength of recommendation
1- Strong
Conclusion
As per studies on general population physical activity is known to have a positive effect on general health and the impact on certain risk factors including high cholesterol & triglycerides, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure , this is also supported by high quality evidence in IHD patients across a number of physical intervention types.
References
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