A comparison of selected coronary heart disease risk factors in weight trained males

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor profiles in a select group of weight trained males. Eighteen male Ss (19-26 yr.) participated in the study. All subjects engaged in rigorous weight training regimens exclusively as their form of regular physical activity. The CHD risk factors evaluated included total cholesterol (TC) levels, high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, the TC:HDL ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and % body fat. The dietary intake levels of protein, complex and simple carbohydrates, fat. and alcohol were evaluated in 50% of the Ss. The mean values ;ar TC (189.17 mgldl), HDL (56.94 mgldl), TC:HDL ratio (3.43). systolic blood pressure (120.67 mmhg), diastolic blood pressure (74.44 mmhgj, % body fat (12.83%), protein intake (18.67%), and fat intake (25.84%) fell within recommended ranges. Only carbohydrate intake (49.1 1%) did not meet recommended levels. TC levels, whils within recommended levels, were higher than those reported by other investigators in similar populations and may have been relatively high for this age group. Mean levels for HDL, TC:HDL rztio, blood pressures, and % body fat fell within ranges deemed protective agai~stth e development of CHD. It was concluded that this group did not seem lo be at increased risk of developing CHD, but further longitudinal and cross-sectional research is needed to fully evaluate the effects of this type of physical activity on CHD risk factor profiles.