Ask the Physician
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | December 2020
I ’ ve let myself get really out of shape these last few years . Now I have high cholesterol , so my doctor put me on meds , which I don ’ t like taking , and he also told me cut the fried , fatty foods and start exercising , which , frankly , I also don ’ t like doing ! My question is this : If I really get serious about exercising , can I get my cholesterol down so I don ’ t have to keep taking meds ? Tom K ., Wildwood
Tom , I applaud your honesty -- and you ’ re certainly not alone with your feelings about medications and exercise ! Eating a healthy diet is always an important factor in prevention or healing of heart disease – along with taking any prescribed medications -- but exercise can also help lower your cholesterol , including its effectiveness in helping you lose weight . Being overweight tends to increase the amount of low-density lipoproteins ( LDL ) in your blood , which contribute to fatty build-ups in arteries .
Research has shown that exercise stimulates enzymes that help move LDL from the blood ( and blood-vessel walls ) to the liver . The cholesterol is then converted into bile ( for digestion ) or excreted , so -- the more you exercise , the more LDL your body expels . Even moderate exercise ( about 12 miles of brisk walking or jogging per week ) positively affects LDL levels , and the benefit increases with more intense exercise , as HDL levels ( the healthy lipoprotein ) are increased .
As your physician has cleared you to begin an exercise program , I would strongly recommend taking up the challenge – for all the GOOD you ’ ll experience !
For more information , visit www . DemandDeborah . org or call 855-646-3484 .
Renee Bullock-Palmer , M . D . Cardiologist Deborah Heart and Lung Center
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