Although researchers disagree on how exercise lowers LDL cholesterol, they do agree that athletes and others living a physically active life as opposed to a sedentary, or stagnant, lifestyle have lower LDL cholesterol levels. Furthermore, research by W. L. Haskell in the “Exercise and Sports Sciences Reviews” found that individuals partaking in endurance-training have a much higher level of HDL/good cholesterol. Apparently, as triglycerides breakdown in response to energy demands, they transform into HDL cholesterol. Also worth noting, while in bed, the HDL cholesterol levels of injured athletes decreases significantly in a period of three to six weeks, suggesting that a lack of physical activity lowers HDL levels.Other research indicates that improving the overall amount of exercise, regardless of intensity, can have a positive influence on the body’s lipoprotein levels. According to the supporting November 2002 study published in “The New England Journal of Medicine,” individuals engaging in any level of exercise warded off weight gains better than individuals who do not exercise, but differences in lipoprotein levels depend more on the amount of exercise than the intensity. In other words, to improve your triglyceride and cholesterol levels, increase the number of exercises you engage in regardless of how strenuous they are. In fact, some studies suggest that walking even 30 minutes a day can decrease your risk of heart disease by as much as 40 percent.
Yet in spite of the benefits of exercise, diet is still important. According to an October 2006 article in the “American Heart Journal,” even six months of exercise will not decrease atherosclerosis risks if not accompanied with a healthy diet. Therefore, do not attempt one form of cholesterol control without the other.
To determine your risk of heart disease and stroke as related to your cholesterol levels consult your doctor for a screening. Risky cholesterol levels occur when total cholesterol is greater than 240 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol is above 190 mg/dL. Your doctor may put you on a prescription drug to keep your numbers down. Although higher cholesterol levels may not affect you as much until you are older, early prevention can save you a lot of trouble and money in the future. Take action today so that heart disease and stroke do not affect your life tomorrow.
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