The Benefits of Raising HDL Cholesterol Levels

Most people simply know that LDL cholesterol is bad and that HDL cholesterol is good. Preventing heart disease however is not as simple as reducing the bad. Doctors and patients should also be concerned about raising HDL cholesterol levels.

Focus on LDL Cholesterol

For many years the there has been a lot of focus on reducing LDL cholesterol levels. To some extent research and methods of raising HDL cholesterol levels have not been given much attention. Recent studies however now show that having a low HDL cholesterol level is an independent heart disease risk factor. Some individuals who have normal LDL levels may still suffer from heart attacks if they have a low HDL cholesterol level.

Right HDL Cholesterol Levels

It actually makes perfect sense to attempt raising HDL cholesterol levels.  The right level is 40 mg/dL. The high density lipoproteins (HDL) are actually the ones responsible for collecting and transporting excess cholesterol away from the arteries. Once taken away, these bad cholesterol deposits are prepared for waste disposal through the liver. In other words, raising HDL cholesterol can help keep the arteries clean and can reduce plaque build up that is responsible for heart attack.

Drug Therapy

It is unfortunate that more medication for reducing LDL cholesterol is available in the market. There have been fewer developments for drugs that are capable of raising HDL cholesterol. Some maintain that using drugs intended for LDL cholesterol reduction can help in raising HDL cholesterol. Of all the available drugs, those containing niacin show the most promise in raising HDL cholesterol. The use of such drugs however should only be attempted under the supervision of a doctor because of the great amounts of a drug needed.

What You Should Do

A 1 mg/dL increase in HDL cholesterol levels is enough to provide a 3% decrease in the risk of heart attack. As a general medical rule however, raising HDL cholesterol levels should first be attempted through natural means before drugs are considered as an option.

Number one on the list to help in raising HDL cholesterol levels is weight reduction through exercise and a regulated diet. It is estimated that a kilogram lost can assist in raising HDL cholesterol by 0.35 mg/dL.

Cutting the intake of saturated and trans fats can also increase HDL cholesterol levels. It is important to note though that too little fat in one’s diet can result in nutritional deficiencies. You should have at least 25% total fat in your daily calorie intake. It is healthier however to get your daily supply of fat from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oil that is not hydrogenated, nuts, salmon, tuna, peanut butter and shellfish.

You should also stop smoking. It is a fact that quitting from smoking can increase HDL cholesterol levels by 4 mg/dL.

Drinking in moderation or not drinking at all is also advised. There is some evidence though that drinking a glass of red wine can increase HDL levels in the same way as quitting from smoking. Researchers may point to the French paradox as proof of the effects of red wine on cholesterol levels. The French have a generally rich diet but do not die as much from heart attack because of their habit of drinking wine. Doctors however will not advise patients who are addicted to alcohol to use wine as a way of normalizing cholesterol levels.