Serum Triglycerides and Cholesterol and Serum High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Highly Physically Active Men

Abstract

The influence of extensive physical activity on plasma lipids, in particular HDL [high density lipoprotein] cholesterol, was investigated [in relation to consideration of raised serum cholesterol and triglycerides as risk factors of ischemic heart disease]. The material consisted of 23 regularly training men (mean age 44 yr, average exercise 83 km running or skiing weekly), 15 healthy men (mean age 47 yr), 10 young men (mean age 22 yr), 12 healthy women (mean age 32 yr) and 18 hyperlipidemic patients. The exercise increased serum HDL cholesterol and FFA [free fatty acid] concentrations and decreased triglyceride levels significantly, but had no significant effect on serum cholesterol concentration. There was a positive correlation between the amount of weekly exercise in km and plasma HDL cholesterol concentration. Exercising more than 70 km/week increased plasma HDL concentration clearly above the normal level. The advantages of an increase in plasma HDL cholesterol are discussed.