Effects of nonpharmacologic therapy with cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training in patients with low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Our data indicate that low levels of HDL cholesterol are extremely prevalent (41%) in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with low HDL cholesterol, particularly those with normal triglycerides, benefit significantly from vigorous nonpharmacologic therapy with cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training. Patients with low HDL cholesterol and hypertriglyceridemia are more resistant to nonpharmacologic therapy of lowering LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratio, and are therefore more likely to require drug treatment.