Low HDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, but not all persons with low HDL are at increased risk. Although it sounds paradoxical, low-fat diets tend to lower HDL levels. In fact, vegetarians often have low HDL levels. But in this situation, the LDL ("bad") cholesterol is also usually low and people like this are usually not at increased risk of heart disease. On the other hand, if you eat a normal diet and especially if you have other risk factors such as a family history for early heart disease, your low HDL could be a sign of increased risk. It would be worth getting a full lipid profile after a 12-hour overnight fast in order to determine your triglycerides and LDL, then talk with your doctor about the results. There is no proof that raising HDL prevents heart disease, but you should consider the following ways to raise your HDL:
- Stop smoking if you smoke
- Lose weight if you are overweight
- Get more aerobic exercise
Although alcohol raises HDL levels, it is not recommended that you begin drinking just to raise your HDL. Niacin can raise HDL but this is not usually recommended and niacin should always be taken under a doctor's care. Finally, your low HDL may be a sign that you should work harder to lower your LDL, even if it requires medication.
