High density lipoproteins (HDL) and physical activity: the influence of physical exercise, age and smoking on HDL-cholesterol and the HDL-/total cholesterol ratio.
220 trained men, examined the day before participation in a cross country ski-race, had significantly higher HDL-cholesterol and HDL-/total cholesterol ratio than untrained men, but did not differ signficantly from untrained women. HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in skiers above 60 years than in skiers of younger age. Tobacco smokers ahd lower HDL-cholesterol and HDL-/total cholesterol ratio than non-smokers, but the differences were only significant in skiers, not in controls. HDL-cholesterol was positively correlated to total cholesterol in skiers. The HDL-cholesterol level may possibly contribute to the lower morbidity of CHD in men who are physically active during leisure time.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012907:Smoking
D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D002784:Cholesterol