HDL – Interventions to improve it

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because of its role in removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it to the liver for excretion. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. Here are some interventions that can help increase HDL levels:

  1. Lifestyle Changes:
    1. Dietary modifications:
      1. Increase intake of healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish.
      2. Limit intake of trans fats, which are found in many commercially baked products and fried foods.
    2. Exercise: Engaging in regular aerobic exercise can raise HDL levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week.
    3. Weight loss: Losing excess weight can improve HDL levels.
    4. Limit alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption can increase HDL levels. This means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. However, the potential benefits must be weighed against the potential risks.
    5. Stop smoking: Quitting smoking can increase HDL levels.
  2. Medications:
    1. Niacin (Vitamin B3): At one time, niacin was commonly prescribed to boost HDL levels, but further research has shown that despite raising HDL, it might not always translate into reduced cardiac risk. It also has side effects.
    2. Statins: Some statins, used primarily to lower LDL cholesterol, can modestly increase HDL.
    3. Fibrates: Drugs like gemfibrozil and fenofibrate can raise HDL levels, but their primary use is to lower triglycerides.
  3. Other Factors:
    1. Estrogen replacement therapy: Estrogen can raise HDL levels. However, estrogen therapy has potential risks and is no longer routinely recommended for cardiovascular risk reduction.
    2. Avoid exposure to environmental toxins: Some studies suggest that exposure to certain environmental toxins, like BPA, might lower HDL levels.
  4. Supplements:
    1. Some studies suggest that supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, might help raise HDL levels.