Influence of exercise and smoking on high density lipoprotein cholesterol in university students.

High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was measured in male university students with normal body weight and daily alcoholic intake of less than 22 g. HDL cholesterol measured by the precipitation method was significantly higher in non-smokers with active exercise and in smokers with active exercise than in smokers with inactive exercise. Values more than 60 mg/100 ml were observed significantly more frequently in non-smokers with active exercise, in non-smokers with inactive exercise, and in smokers with active exercise than in smokers with inactive exercise. Thus association of HDL cholesterol with exercise and smoking is already present in university students.