[Effectiveness and practice of dietary therapy and exercise]

Abstract

Dietary therapy and physical activity are cornerstones for lipid lowering and prevention of cardiovascular disease. The efficacy of dietary therapy has been established in several primary and secondary prevention studies. Exercise is believed to be useful to prevent atherosclerosis, but there has been no mega trial performed. The beneficial effect of physical activity may be mediated in several ways, such as reduction in VLDL, increase in HDL, reduction in body weight and reduction in blood pressure. According to the guideline of Japan Atherosclerosis Society, dietary modification is recommended to perform in three steps and practical use of the guideline was described. For exercise, aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming and bicycling are recommended. Intensity, amount and frequency of exercise were described.