Physical Activity and Biochemical Parameters in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Physical activity reduces the risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). The precise mechanism for reducing CHD risk after physical activity has not been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical activity and some biochemical parameters in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).

This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with ACS referring to Heshmat Medical Center in 2016. Convenient sampling method was used and 280 eligible patients with ACS were included in the study. For data gathering the checklist was used for demographic characteristics of patients and biochemical parameters and the Baecke Questionnaire was used to assess the patients’ physical activity. The data were analyzed in PASW Statistics for Windows, Version 18.0. Chicago: SPSS Inc. using Spearman correlation and multiple regression analyses. The significance level was set at P>0.05.

The results showed that 67% of the patients were male and the mean age of the patients was 62.38±12.01 years. The BUN blood urea nitrogen (r=-.121 and -.177) and blood creatinine level (r=-.259 and -.185) had a significant correlation with physical activity in general and at the work hours, (P<.05). However, these correlations were poor, and only the correlation between the creatinine level and physical activity at work was moderate.

The correlation between physical activity level and biochemical parameters was not observed in our study. However, because the protective effect of physical activity on the cardiovascular system is clearly observed, it is suggested that appropriate physical activity and regular fitness be incorporated in the care plan for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Further clinical studies are recommended.