Effect of jogging on serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol

The effects of jogging on serum lipids were assessed in 16 normolipidemic males who ran an average of 5.8 miles (9.3 kilometres) per week for 6 weeks. There was no change in serum triglyceride concentration or clearance nor in HDL-cholesterol, but both total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly, by 5.7 and 8.3% respectively. Individual decreases in LDL-cholesterol were correlated with the distance run and it seems probable tht a stimulatory effect of exercise on LDL catabolism was responsible. These findings suggest a possible explanation for the known protective effect of exercise against coronary heart disease, even when taken in amounts insufficient to raise HDL-cholesterol.