Quitting Smoking Enhance the Level of Good Cholesterol

People who have quitted the habit of smoking OK may also enhance the level of good cholesterol in their body, despite the small weight gain.

The study of over 1,500 smokers showed that the blood level of HDL also known as good cholesterol in people who quitting the habit increased by an average of 5 percent.


The increase of HDL level were also seen despite the small weight gain which regularly happens after Cessation of smoking while the weight people also showed the change after putting out cigarette, says study published in the American Heart Journal.

The positive effect is more potent in women than in men, showed the research led by Dr. Adam Gepner from the University of Wisconsin.

According to the previous studies, about 20 percent of mortalities due to cardiovascular disease are related to smoking.

"Further benefits on cholesterol levels may have been actually masked by the weight gain seen after quitting," said Gepner.

"It is important to counsel quitters about weight gain and the need for a healthy diet and regular exercise during the quitting period," he added.

The new study researchers haven't found a clear understanding of what lies behind the effect of quitting cigarette smoking on good cholesterol level, suggesting that smoking may damage the proteins that control the breakdown of cholesterol.

SJM/Despite from causing a small weight gain, quitting the habit of smoking may enhance the level of good cholesterol in the body, a new study shows.

Previous studies have linked about 20 percent of mortalities from cardiovascular diseases to smoking.

The study of over 1,500 smokers showed that the blood levels of HDL, also known as good cholesterol, are increased by an average of 5 percent in individuals who quit the habit.

The positive effect is reported to be greater in women than in men, showed the study published in the American Heart Journal.

"Further benefits on cholesterol levels may have been actually masked by the weight gain seen after quitting," said lead researcher Adam Gepner from the University of Wisconsin, stressing that small weight gain regularly follows smoking cessation.

"It is important to counsel quitters about weight gain and the need for a healthy diet and regular exercise during the quitting period," he added.

Researchers, however, do not have a clear understanding of what lies behind quitting cigarette and increased good cholesterol levels, suggesting that smoking may damage the proteins that control the breakdown of cholesterol.