Links have been established between high levels of LDL cholesterol and coronary heart disease. Diet and exercise are the two primary recommendations of ways to lower LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol." In some cases of cholesterol testing, individuals who exercised prior to having blood drawn found that their LDL cholesterol levels actually increased. Although exercise improves an overall blood panel, strenuous physical exercise prior to a blood draw may negatively impact the results.