Exercise Can Increase Your HDL

Certain obese men can increase their levels of "good" cholesterol through regular extended endurance exercise, a new study has found.

The study results are encouraging because men of normal weight and low triglyceride levels (a type of fat associated with heart disease) and low levels of "good" (HDL) cholesterol may find it difficult to increase their levels of HDL cholesterol. Low HDL levels can increase the chances of heart disease.

New Cholesterol Guidelines Issued

New federal guidelines for managing cholesterol issued in the US will increase the number of Americans who are treated for high cholesterol -- either by diet or drugs -- by roughly 36 million.

Among other changes, the guidelines now recommend an even lower intake of saturated fat a higher blood level of HDL, or "good" cholesterol more rigorous testing of fatty substances in the blood (triglycerides).