Abstract

Aim.The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of nutrition knowledge and physical activity level with total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in men with myocardial infarction (MI).

Background. Myocardial infarction is the most common cardiovascular disease and considered as the main cause of mortality in the world including Iran. The studies show modification of unhealthy lifestyle is a preventive method in cardiovascular diseases.Nutrition knowledge and physical activity are important factors in reducing serum lipid levels and prevention of cardiovascular disease, particularly myocardial infarction. Modification and promotion of nutrition knowledge and physical activity levels in individuals with history of cardiovascular disease may reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

Method. This is a quasi-experimental study in which 150 men from Milad Hospital in Tehran (mean age of 58.01 with standard deviation of 3.58 years, mean weight of 80.8 with standard deviation of 13.18 Kg, and mean height 174.24 cm with standard deviation 6.43 cm) were selected by Morgan table to fill two questionnaires of nutrition knowledge (Wardle 1999) and of physical activity level. After 12 hours fasting, HDL-C, LDL-C and total cholesterol levels were measured in all subjects. The data was analyzed in the significance level of 0.05.

Findings. The findings showed that there was a statistically significant correlation of nutrition knowledge and physical activity level with LDL-C and total cholesterol in adult men with MI, but no significant correlation with HDL-C was found.

Conclusion. According to the results, with promoting nutrition knowledge and physical activity level in men with MI, the risk of cardiovascular diseases (especially myocardial infarction) can be controlled.