How does exercise (physical activity) affect cholesterol?
For some people, exercise affects blood cholesterol level by increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol. A higher HDL cholesterol is linked with decreased risk of heart disease. Exercise can also help control weight, diabetes (di”ah-BE’teez or di”ah-BE’tis), and high blood pressure. Exercise that uses oxygen to provide energy to large muscles (aerobic exercise) raises your heart and breathing rates. Regular exercise such as brisk walking, jogging and swimming also condition your heart and lungs. Physical inactivity has been established as a major risk factor for heart disease. Even moderate-intensity activities, if done daily, help reduce your risk. Examples are walking for pleasure, gardening, yard work, housework, dancing and prescribed home exercise. How does cigarette / tobacco smoke affect cholesterol? Cigarette and tobacco smoke is one of the six major risk factors of heart disease that you can change, treat or modify. Smoking has been shown to lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. How
