High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in middle-aged joggers.

We have compared risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), including HDL cholesterol, in joggers and Rotarians aged 40 to 50 years. The only significant differences between the groups were lower resting heart rates and higher HDL cholesterol levels in the joggers. It appears that a considerable amount of exercise is required to raise HDL cholesterol levels. Significant elevation of HDL cholesterol was confined to those joggers who had either been running for at least four years or who were running 56 km per week or more.