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Exercise & cholesterol are strongly connectedReduce high cholesterol with exerciseOn this page is a brief explanation of the exercise-cholesterol link, importance of cholesterol readings, & exercises to lower cholesterol. Also, how to exercise to raise “good” cholesterol.
However, cholesterol readings aren’t as easy to act on as, for example blood pressure readings. That’s because you need to take several numbers into account before deciding on an approach to improve them. Where does cholesterol come from?Your cholesterol profile is affected by genetics. Yep, if your ancestors had good or poor numbers, they are partially passed down to you.But, your profile is also influenced by your lifestyle especially diet and exercise. The exercise cholesterol link is very important but not the only influence on cholesterol profile. Cholesterol actions and typesCholesterol is basically a fat. You can get it by eating fats or your body can produce it, or overproduce it, depending on particular needs.Eaten or produeced, cholesterol eventually ends up in your blood. That’s where some problems begin. There are two parts to cholesterol. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are smaller particles and are the “bad cholesterol.” High density lipoproteins (HDL) are the other part and is termed “good cholesterol.” In fact, HDL is so good that it can actually make up for some of the bad cholesterol. It actually helps transport bad cholesterol out of the body. That is why simply maintaining that cholesterol is "bad" is not correct. It is the smaller-particled LDL fat that goes into the heart’s arteries & contributes to clogging plaque. That's what leads to cardiovascular disease including high blood pressure & heart disease. 
Artery A) shows cholesterol particles Artery B) shows buildup of cholesterol inside the artery Artery C) shows the formation of plaque called atherosclerosis
Cholesterol readingsFour readings are key to understanding your cholesterol profile.1)Total cholesterol Ideally, should be less than 150 mg. Over 200 is cause for concern. 2)LDL reading (bad cholesterol) Ideally less than 100. Over 130 is cause for concern. 3)HDL reading (good cholesterol) Ideally, greater than 60. If less than 40, be concerned. 4)Ratio of total cholesterol to HDL This is the total divided by HDL. A very important reading, this shows how much good cholesterol you have to negate the bad cholesterol. A good reading is 4 or lower. Above 5 places you at risk for cardiovascular disease. Effects of exercise on cholesterol
As in many other health problems, exercises to lower cholesterol are the way to go. However, how high cholesterol & exercise are related is a bit complicated.Briefly, exercise lowers total cholesterol just a little. That’s the bad news. Here’s the good news. Exercise lowers bad cholesterol , LDL, and may even raise good cholesterol, HDL. In fact, when combined with a healthy diet, exercise may even reverse atherosclerosis and heart disease. This was previously thought impossible. Treatment usually just aimed at managing problem and extending life. Now we think we could reverse problem, almost like reversing aging. Effects of exercise on cholesterol & heart disease is confirmed by much research. For example, Dr. Wood, at Stanford University, observed that the cholesterol profile of active middle aged men was like that of low risk young women. More good news, effects of exercise started almost immediately and just a couple of months of exercise showed significant good effects. Prescription of diet & exercises
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