High density lipoproteins (HDL) and physical activity: the influence of physical exercise, age and smoking on HDL-cholesterol and the HDL-/total cholesterol ratio

220 trained men, examined the day before participation in a cross country ski-race, had significantly higher HDL-cholesterol and HDL-/total cholesterol ratio than untrained men, but did not differ signficantly from untrained women. HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher in skiers above 60 years than in skiers of younger age. Tobacco smokers ahd lower HDL-cholesterol and HDL-/total cholesterol ratio than non-smokers, but the differences were only significant in skiers, not in controls. HDL-cholesterol was positively correlated to total cholesterol in skiers. The HDL-cholesterol level may possibly contribute to the lower morbidity of CHD in men who are physically active during leisure time.