Jun 30 2008
Raising HDL
A low level of HDL (the good cholesterol) increases your risk of coronary artery disease. Raising HDL level can reduce your cardiac risk.
Target level >40.
Lifestyle modifications
- Aerobic exercise: Ideally five 30 minute sessions per week
- Stopping smoking: Combination of counseling and medication works best
- Weight loss: Losing approximately 1 pound per week is ideal
- Drinking alcohol: 1-2 drinks per day have been shown to increase HDL levels
- Changing diet: Avoid saturated and trans fatty acids
Medical management:
- Nicotinic acid (vitamin B3) or niacin: Most effective but has lots of side effects
- Statins: Moderately effective, better if used together with another drug
- Fibric acids (fibrates): Moderate benefit, better tolerated than niacin