Effect of regular physical activity on non- lipid (novel) cardiovascular risk factors

The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical activity and selected non-lipid CVD risk factors such as testosterone, free testosterone, Vitamin D, homocysteine, folic acid, and the inflammatory cytokines including hsCRP, TNF- Alpha and interleukin -6 in healthy military recruits. A group of active personnel (n=50) engaging in a continuous and regular physical activity program, three days a week for a period of three months; and a group of inactive personnel (n=50) were randomly recruited. Blood sample was collected from all participants and plasma was separated. Physically active subjects had significant lower measures of homocysteine and interleukin -6, known as CVD risk factors and tended to have nearly significant free testosterone level (p= 0.08), as a protective factor. By reducing the risk factors of developing CVD events, such as homocysteine and interleukin -6 and increasing free testosterone and preventing its progression significantly, it clearly serves to underscore the beneficial properties of physical activity and to promote its effectiveness as a non- drug and non-invasive therapy in CVD events.