Influence of exercise on high-density lipoproteins

The effects of an intensive rehabilitation course on plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were studied in 40 men, aged 29 to 56 years, with ischemic heart disease. The exercise consisted of aerobic activities that induced up to 80% of the maximal heart rate during three 20-minute periods daily for 5 days a week; the program lasted 3 weeks. Significant increases were found in the levels of HDL and HDL₂ and their ratios to total plasma cholesterol. These changes were similar in nonsmokers of cigarettes and in men who gave up or reduced smoking during the course and contrasted with negligible changes in those who continued to smoke.