Effects of posture on serum cholesterol fractions, cholesterol ratio and triglycerides

In 41 healthy men aged 50 fasting serum HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, LDL + VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides increased by 8.3, 9.6, 9.9 and 11.3%, respectively (all P less than 0.001), after 30 min standing compared to 30 min in the supine position. These findings can be fully explained by decrease in plasma volume on changing from lying to the erect position. However, the cholesterol ratio (HDL cholesterol X 100/LDL + VLDL cholesterol) was not influenced by posture and should be evaluated instead of cholesterol fractions if the conditions for blood sampling were not controlled.