Effect of exercise training on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in coronary disease patients

The effects of chronic exercise training on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were studied in 18 male coronary patients. Exercise consisted of aerobic activities utilizing approximately 70% of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O 2 max) for 20 to 40 minutes, three times weekly for 3 months. Significant increases in V̇O 2 max, HDL-C, HDL-C/total cholesterol, and a decrease in percent body fat were documented after training. No significant changes were foundin total cholesterol, triglyceride, body weight, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Vigorous physical training can contribute to increases in HDL-C in patients with coronary disease without changes in total cholesterol or body weight.