Lipoprotein May Be Better Indicator of Heart Health of Midlife Women Than Cholesterol Tests
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Lipoprotein particles may provide better information about the heart health of women in midlife than standard cholesterol measures, according to new research out of Pennsylvania State University.
A lipoprotein is a biochemical assembly whose primary function in the body is to transport fat molecules in blood plasma or other extracellular fluids.
Cells then use the fat to perform many of their essential functions.
The Penn State study, which was published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, evaluated the influence of menopausal status and fitness on lipoprotein particles in healthy midlife women.
Lipoprotein particles were measured in very fit and not especially fit perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women.
In the end, the researchers found that “high fitness positively” influences lipoprotein particles in healthy perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women.
In other words, in healthy fit women, menopause may not have a large influence on lipoprotein particles.
In addition, a high level of fitness was associated with a less atherogenic lipoprotein profile in perimenopausal and late postmenopausal women.
