Effect of Exercise Training on the Function of the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)-Cholesterol, Endothelial Function and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome(HERMET-Study)

Inclusion Criteria: * Reduced HDL-Cholesterol levels in blood: \< 40 mg/dl (1.03 mmol/L) in male, \< 50 mg/dl (1.29 mmol/L) in female * Plus two of the following criteria: * Elevated waist circumference: ≥ 102 cm (≥ 40 inches) in men or ≥ 88 cm (≥ 35 inches) in women * Elevated triglycerides: ≥ 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L * Elevated blood pressure: ≥ 130 mmHg systolic blood pressure or ≥ 80 mmHg * diastolic blood pressure or anti-hypertensive treatment * Elevated fasting glucose: ≥ 100 mg/dL or on drug treatment for elevated fasting glucose Exclusion Criteria: * Acute coronary syndrome * Unstable Angina pectoris * Myocardial infarction during the last 8 weeks * Therapy with Niacin * Active infections * Ventricular arrhythmias * Systolic blood pressure \> 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure \> 95 mmHg * Cancer * Pregnancy, lactation * Alcoholism