High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in survivors of myocardial infarction

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Abstract
High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-Chol) levels were higher in a group of 83 myocardial infarction survivors who participated in a moderate, graded exercise program (47±13 mg/dL) than in 103 nonexercising coronary heart disease patients (40±11 mg/dL,P<.001), reaching levels undistinguishable from those of 181 population controls (44±12 mg/dL). The level of exercise and concentration of HDL-Chol were correlated (r=.24,P<.05). In 18 patients studied longitudinally, HDL-Chol levels increased from 35±8 mg/dL before participation to 40 mg/dL (P<.001) after one week, and remained at that level for six months. Concurrently, functional aerobic impairment decreased from 31%±29% to 11% (P<.01). These observations suggest that participation in a moderate exercise program increases HDLChol levels in myocardial infarction survivors and may contribute to lowering the risk for subsequent infarction. (JAMA242:2185-2189, 1979)