HDL-Cholesterol: Exercise Formula. Results of Long-Term (6-Year) Strenuous Swimming Exercise in a Middle-Aged Male with Paraplegia

Paraplegic individuals are at increased risk for developing heart disease because of low HDL-cholesterol levels. Exercise has been identified as an important factor in raising the HDL-cholesterol level. This case study documents the effects of long-term (6-year) strenuous exercise (2940 kcal/wk) on lipid markers in a 41-year-old white male with paraplegia. An additional 21 mg of HDL-cholesterol (84% increase) were observed in a paraplegic individual who swam 2100 kcal/week for 6 years. Througout this study, serial blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. An initial low HDL-cholesterol of 25 mg/dl was measured in the subject. This case study continued for 72 months to determine the long-term effects on various blood lipid fractions of swimming an additional 2.5 hours/week. HDL-cholesterol slowly increased over the duration of the study. After 12 months of swimming the HDL fraction had increased from 25 mg/dl to 31 mg/dl. After 24 months and at the end of 72 months of swimming, the HDL fraction had risen to 43 mg/dl and 46 mg/dl, respectively. The estimated long-term energy cost for each additional 1 mg/dl of HDL-cholesterol above the pre-exercise HDL value was 100 kcal/week in this subject. Long-term strenuous swimming exercise has been successfully incorporated into the lifestyle of a paraplegic individual. Significant reduction in known coronary risk factors followed a marked increase in the HDL-cholesterol level.