Physical activity and plasma total- and HDL-cholesterol levels in Western Samoan men

This study examines effects of physical activity on plasma total- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and derived variables in Western Samoan men who differ in rural/urban residence and occupation. Rural agriculturalists have significantly higher HDL cholesterol and HDL:total ratio than men employed in either physically active or physically sedentary occupations in an urban setting. Total cholesterol levels do not vary significantly, but when the differences in HDL cholesterol are accounted for, the means for agriculturalists and active workers are significantly lower than those for sedentary workers who do not play sports. These differences in HDL- and non-HDL-cholesterol levels are consistent with measures of physical activity among the groups. Variation in physical activity due to residence and occupation in Western Samoan men is related to lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but not to total cholesterol levels, and some effects may be secondary to differences in body composition.