-Regular aerobic exercise raises HDL cholesterol levels by an average of 1.9 to 2.5 mg per dL (0.05 to 0.06 mmol per L). it also decreases total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides levels by an average of 3.9, 3.9, and 7.1 mg per dL (0.10, 0.10, and 0.08 mmol per L), respectively.

-The minimal amount of exercise needed to increase HDL cholesterol levels is 900 kcal of energy expenditure per week or about 120 minutes of typical aerobic exercise.

-In patients with cardiovascular disease who exercise aerobically, HDL cholesterol levels increase by an average of 9 percent (3.7 mg per dL [0.10 mmol per L), and triglyceride levels decrease by 11 percent (19.3 mg per dL [0.22 mmol per L]), suggesting greater benefits in this high-risk group.

-In a small study of younger men, those with initially lower HDL cholesterol levels responded less to exercise than those with higher levels, possibly because of differences in triglyceride metabolism.

-There is a great deal of variability in HDL cholesterol responses to exercise, ranging, as per one study, from decreases of 9.3 percent in the least responsive quartile to increases of 18 percent in the most responsive quartile.

-Improvements in HDL cholesterol levels seem to be related more to the amount of activity than to the intensity of exercise or improvement in fitness. Physical inactivity has profound negative effects on lipid metabolism, including increases in LDL cholesterol levels, but this can be prevented by modest regular exercise.

Recommended Read: The Journey of Cholesterol in the Body

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