Women, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and exercise.
Exercise is widely believed to induce favorable changes in the lipid profiles of women, particularly to increase the cardioprotective high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) fraction. A critical appraisal of the literature demonstrates that many research studies fail to consider potential confounders such as hormonal status and body composition. Although cross-sectional studies confirm that active women have higher HDL-C levels than sedentary women, intervention studies suggest that exercise training programs, in the absence of other interventions, do not cause HDL-C levels to rise appreciably in older women. High volumes of exercise may increase HDL-C levels in younger women. Exercise programs of moderate intensity appear to modify the HDL-C-lowering effects of a hypocaloric, fat-restricted diet.
Medical Arts Pavilion, Medical Center of Delaware, Newark.
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Taylor
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Ward
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D010806:Physical Education and Training
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL