Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Alcohol Consumption And The Incidence Of Hyper Non-hdl Cholesterolemia

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a risk factor of non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolemia, and also high alcohol consumption increases HDL cholesterol. However, the interaction between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), an objective marker of physical activity, and alcohol consumption on the incidence of hyper non-HDL cholesterolemia is not clear. PURPOSE: To investigate the joint effect of CRF and alcohol consumption on the incidence of hyper non-HDL cholesterolemia among Japanese men. METHODS: We evaluated CRF and the incidence of hyper non-HDL cholesterolemia in 4,067 Japanese men [median (IQR) age 36 (30-44) years] who were free from hyper non-HDL cholesterolemia. Participants underwent a submaximal exercise test, a medical examination, and questionnaires on their health habits including alcohol consumption (less than 1g/day, 1-22g/day, ≥23 g/day) in 1986. CRF was measured using a cycle ergometer and maximal oxygen uptake was estimated. The incidence of high levels of non- HDL cholesterolemia (≥170 mg/dL) from 1986 to 2006 was ascertained based on fasting blood levels. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the incidence of hyper non-HDL cholesterolemia were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models after adjustment for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, smoking, and family history of dyslipidemia. RESULTS: Hyper non-HDL cholesterolemia was observed in 1,482 participants during the follow-up period. Using the Low CRF & less than 1g/day alcohol consumption group as reference, the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 0.88 (0.73 - 1.06) for Low CRF & ≥23 g/day alcohol consumption group, 0.77 (0.64 - 0.93) for the High CRF & less than 1g/day alcohol consumption group, and 0.70 (0.57 - 0.87) for the High CRF & ≥23 g/day alcohol consumption group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Japanese men with a high CRF and a high alcohol consumption have a lower the incidence of hyper non-HDL cholesterolemia.