I AM TAKING LIPiTOR FOR MY CHOLESTEROL FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS AND IT IS NOW AT 5 WHICH IS THE WAY IT IS MEASURED IN EUROPE HOWEVER RECENTLY I HAD A RANDOM CHECK DONE WITH PHIZER THE DRUG COMPANY AND THE TEST SAID THAT MY HDL WAS SHOWING A LOWER READING THAN IT SHOULD = WHY WOULD THIS HAPPEN IS MY QUESTION AND COULD IT BE THE REASON THAT I AM SUFFERING FROM HIGH CHOLESTEROL. CAN I DO ANYTHING TO IMPOVE MY HDL AND IF SO WOULD IT HELP TO LOWER MY LDL
MANY THANKS
Hi Mary,
One of the best ways to increase your HDL is through physical activity. Work you way up to 60 minutes 5 or more days each week. If you're not currently physically active, consult your MD before starting an exercise program.
Here's an article on raising HDL - Long workouts best for raising good cholesterol.
Selecting healthy fats, such as omega 3's, will also raise HDL while lowering LDL. As your HDL increases, your LDL will decrease as a result. HDL collects cholesterol dropped on artery walls and transports it back to the liver for reprocessing and removal from the body. (I think of HDL as a vacuum cleaner!)
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD, LN
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
