title: Leisure-time physical activity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in a biracial community sample.
abstract: The purpose of this analysis was to describe the association of leisure-time physical activity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels among a large community sample of African-American and white men and women. Physical assessment of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, weight, height, waist, and hip measurements were obtained for 3121 randomly selected community participants (969 white men, 1409 white women, 205 African-American men, and 538 African-American women). Leisure-time physical activity was assessed from responses to a standard series of questions about participation in various leisure-time activities. We found an inverse relationship between leisure-time activities and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in African Americans, in contrast to a positive association observed in whites; however, these associations failed to reach statistical significance after controlling for age and body composition. These results confirm a strong association of body composition with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and support continued interventions designed to reduce overall body weight, particularly upper body weight. The results further suggest that the relationships between some life-style factors and HDL levels may be different among minorities.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Macera
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Heath
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Eaker
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Croft
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Yeager
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Wheeler
mesh_terms: D001741:Black or African American; D000886:Anthropometry; D044383:Black People; D001823:Body Composition; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D005082:Physical Exertion; D044465:White People
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL