Exercise in the treatment of lipid disorders.

As a result of scientific evaluation, we know that exercise has a positive impact on the lipid and lipoprotein profile, and we have a greater understanding for the necessary amount of exercise needed to cause these changes. In the case of hyperlipidemic disorders, we know the primary means for intervention is pharmacological, and that diet, weight loss, and exercise are viewed as adjunctive therapies. Because much is known about the exercise training-induced plasma lipid and lipoprotein modifications as well as the lipoprotein enzyme changes, future research should continue to focus on the molecular basis for these changes. For example by knowing a person's apo E genotype, we gain better comprehension as to why some individuals respond to exercise, while others do not. Another area for further investigation is the assessment of drug and exercise interaction. Presently, little is known regarding the use of lipid-lowering drugs and the impact of exercise. Finally, these investigations could provide new insights for better understanding the exercise CAD protective effects. The future challenge is to better understand the impact that regular exercise participation has in optimizing the lipid and lipoprotein profile with individuals with special lipid disorders.