Effect of Dietary Therapy on Blood Lipid in Outpatients with Hypercholesterolemia

고콜레스테롤혈증 환자에서 식사요법이 혈청 지질농도에 미치는 영향

High serum cholesterol level is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease(CHD). Nutrition therapy of hypocholesterolemic diets with increased physical activity is the essential step in the treatment of the hypercholesterolemic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of intensive dietary therapy combined with regular exercise in lowering serum cholesterol level. Seventy three hypercholesterolemic outpatients(mean: 268.0$\pm$24.7mg/dL), aged 34 to 73(mean: 56$\pm$9.8yrs), who visited cardiology OPD of Yonsei Cardiovascular Center from April through October, 1998 were studied. Anthropometric measurements, usual nutrient intake survey using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, and daily nutrient intake analysis were performed. The nutrition counseling for the hypocholesterolemic diet and exercise therapy was performed individually. After a 4 week intensive dietary therapy, comparisons of body weight, nutrient intakes, and blood lipid concentrations were evaluated for the hypocholesterolemic effect of intensive diet therapy. After 4 weeks of intensive diet therapy, significant reductions in percent ideal body weight(p<0.01), saturated fat intake(p<0.01), and cholesterol intake(p<0.01) were observed. There were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels after 4 weeks of therapy by 8.1%(p<0.01) and 9.7%(p<0.01), respectively. Our results showed that intensive dietary therapy was effective in reductions of serum total and LDL-cholesterol levels. The goal for this dietary modification should not be temporary but rather be permanent in eating behavior accompanied by appropriately increased physical activity.