A Review of the Impact of Exercise on Cholesterol Levels R ecently, the National Institutes of Health issued new criteria for the detection, categorization and treatment of unhealthy cholesterol levels (American Medical Association 2001). As a result of these new criteria, the number of Americans in the high-cholesterol category rose substantially. The revised guidelines recom- mend that individuals with elevated cholesterol levels undertake “thera- peutic lifestyle changes” and, when needed, drug therapy. Consequently, fitness professionals can expect to see more and more clients wanting to lower their cholesterol levels through exercise and lifestyle modifications. The link between cholesterol and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been well established through numerous long-term studies. What isn’t as well established or understood is how to achieve and maintain optimal choles- terol levels. While dietary changes and certain medications can lower choles- terol, exercise is effective as well. But how much and what type of exercise is needed to positively change cholesterol levels? And do cholesterol levels in men and women respond differently to exercise? This article gives an overview of what cholesterol is; explains how it functions in the body; and presents the latest research on how exercise impacts cholesterol levels. WHY HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN, OR HDL, CHOLESTEROL LEVELS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH A REDUCED RISK OF HEART DISEASE—AND HOW EXERCISE CAN HELP. By Chantal A. Vella, MS; Len Kravitz, PhD; and Jeffrey M. Janot, PhD November-December 2001 IDEA HEALTH & FITNESS SOURCE