Can Exercise Lower Cholesterol?

DEAR LINDA: Exercise is one of the best ways to manage blood cholesterol levels.  Exercise helps lower cholesterol levels several ways:  Exercise increases the amount of HDL cholesterol (the good kind of cholesterol) in your blood, while reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol (the bad, artery-clogging kind of cholesterol).  Exercise promotes weight loss and weight control.  Exercise increases whole body's circulation, helping to clear away clots in the blood vessels and makes the heart stronger and more efficient.

In terms of which exercises are best. The good news is that there is a lot of flexibility. I advise my patients the following:

• Exercise should be done at least 3 times a week and it should be done for a minimum of 30 minutes.
• Exercise should increase your heart rate and make you sweat.
• If you are not sweating at the end of 30 minutes, it doesn’t count - unless you are swimming of course.
• Exercise should be fun!

As long as you follow my above rules, you can be assured the exercise you choose will benefit your cholesterol levels.

Before beginning any exercise program for the first time, it is a good idea to talk to your physician to ensure there are no health reasons to not follow the above. Certain medical conditions or medications may require you to follow a slightly different program.  Lifestyle changes such as diet and smoking cessation will enhance any benefits you receive from exercise.