Exercise and Cholesterol

DEAR ASK THE DOCTOR: I am not overweight and have quit smoking.  Will exercise still lower my cholesterol or is it best to focus on diet?

DEAR RICHARD: There is good news here.  If you have high cholesterol and do not smoke, have a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and let’s suppose you are even taking medications for cholesterol – then exercise will still benefit you

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).  Studies show that it only takes 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise to give your HDL levels a boost. Additionally, every 10 minutes after the initial 20 minutes of continues exercise gives your HDL levels an additional boost. There is some suggestion that the duration of exercise - not intensity - plays a larger role in HDL benefits.  I am not suggesting that everyone should go out and run a marathon but I am suggesting that everyone go and exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week.

Exercise promotes weight control even in those with healthy weights.  Exercise increases whole body's circulation, helping to clear away clots in the blood vessels and makes the heart stronger and more efficient.

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 advice.  Exercise can help lower the amount of cholesterol in your body