Thank you for your reply. I am aware that low HDLs can be hereditary and there isn't much one can do to raise their HDLs substantially. In fact, my brother (74) who is 2 years older than me, also has similar low HDL readings. I was hoping that someone who also had genetically caused low level HDLs found/did something that worked to raise their HDL levels.

Ron

Thank you for your response. This is the first time I have read that eating more dairy products could raise one's HDL levels. Please provide more detail why this may work for me? Presently. I have 2 eggs (egg beaters) and about 1/2 cup of cottage cheese (4%) daily.

Thank you.

Ron

Thank you Sue for your reponse on some "good" news about low HDL levels. Although, I should be carefull on raising my hopes from one study. I like my salt and for many years I heard/read that too much salt is no good for you. Last year, I read a study that stated that excess salt intake was okay. Excuse the pun, put should I take that study and the low HDL study "with a grain of salt"?

Ron

Chris:

I am not really on a low fat diet but I will check that out. I have basically tried everything over the years to keep my cholesterol etc., under control. A regular exercise program and statins worked well in keeping my LDLs and overall cholesterol counts low and under control.  Since I don't eat fish, I have been taking fish oils on and off for about 25 years, long before doctors started to recommend them. They have worked well in keeping by "triglycerides" low and under control. However, all of the above has done little in helping raise my "HDL" levels.

Over six months ago, I started taking prescription niacin to hopefully raise my HDLs that were 34 at that time. Recently, I went for blood work and will have the results later today (4/22). I will let you know the results. Since my last blood test, I have been off my regular exercise program (1 hr per day - 5days a week) and expect some negative results.

Bottom line, to date, a "heavy" exercise program (1 1/2 hrs per day -7days a week), perhaps with  a statin and fish oils, seemed to be the only thing(s) that has helped keep my HDLs in the 41-43 range. I am not sure whether the statins or fish oils were contributing factors in raising my HDLs when I was this "heavy" exercise program.

Good Luck.

Ron