How can I raise my HDL levels?

Written by

Thu, October 16, 2008

I have been seriously trying for about 5 years to raise my HDL level without success. Currently, my levels are: HDL 34, LDL 58, total Cholesterol 122 and Triglycerides 149. Presently, I am daily taking Lipitor (20mg), Niacin (800mg) and fish oils (10,000mg). I started taking prescription niacin about 4 months ago.

For the past year I been off of my exercise program. However, during this period, I have been very active physically doing house projects 4-5 hours per day. The previous 4 years my exercise program consisted of jogging and using a treadmill 5-7 days a week @ 1 1/2 hrs daily. Even during those 4 years, my highest HDL reading was only 42.

Bottom line, considering I get back to my exercise program, what else can I do to raise my HDL level? Thank you in advance

Ron P

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lucho

10/18/08 1:11pm

the values of hdl is determinated for genetics factors fundamently and no for diet

MILRON

10/18/08 2:16pm

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

sigmund fraud

10/18/08 5:37pm

Eat more dairy products

MILRON

10/29/08 11:06am

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

Sue

10/21/08 9:55pm

Thought these links might provide info for your question.

Genetically low HDL not tied to heart disease

Essential Info - HDL

All the best, sue

MILRON

10/29/08 11:24am

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

4/21/09 5:15pm

Ron,

I'm having the same issue. I had cut way back on saturated fats. On my next cholesterol check, my LDL went down 7 points to 189, but unfortunately, my HDL went down 4 points to 30. Since you are on medication to keep your LDL low, maybe you can increase your fat intake. Let me know if you find something that works.

MILRON

4/22/09 1:44am

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

How can I raise my HDL levels?

Genetically low HDL not tied to heart disease

Essential Info - HDL

All the best, sue

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