Medications such as beta blockers, anabolic steroids, progestins, and benzodiazepines can also depress HDL. Two kinds of medications have traditionally been used to raise HDL cholesterol: niacin, which is also known as vitamin B 3 , and fibrates, such as gemfibrozil Lopid, generic and fenofibrate TriCor, generic.
However, most clinical trials have not shown a direct correlation between raising the HDL cholesterol level and less heart disease, or fewer heart attacks and strokes. The equivocal results have some experts questioning whether the monetary and physical costs of taking niacin or a fibrate are worth the uncertain benefits. What they did have were small increases in blood pressure, as well as more cases of heart failure and procedures to open or bypass a blocked artery.
The trial was stopped early on safety grounds, since volunteers taking a placebo were faring better than those taking torcetrapib. The results torpedoed torcetrapib's chances of becoming a blockbuster drug, something its maker, Pfizer, was hoping for. And they also had some experts questioning across-the-board strategies for boosting HDL levels without paying close attention to the structure and function of the new HDL particles induced by the drug.
Cholesterol guidelines focus on lowering elevated LDL cholesterol first. If HDL cholesterol rises that is fine, but it should not be the reason for drug therapy. Changes in lifestyle should be first on your list, since they do other wonderful things for the heart, bones, muscles, and psyche and have no harmful side effects. They include:. Taking an LDL-lowering statin can also improve HDL cholesterol, though you wouldn't start a statin for this purpose because the effect is small. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
Food Funct. Effects of whole grain, fish and bilberries on serum metabolic profile and lipid transfer protein activities: a randomized trial Sysdimet.
Avocado oil: Characteristics, properties, and applications. Published Jun First report on quality and purity evaluations of avocado oil sold in the US.
Food Control. Hass avocado composition and potential health effects. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Monosaturated fatty acid avocado rich diet for mild hypercholesterolemia. Arch Med Res. Winter ;27 4 Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.
We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. HDL Cholesterol. Antioxidant-Rich Foods. Niacin-Rich Foods. Fatty Fish. Understanding Cholesterol and Triglycerides. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommend that adults get at least minutes of moderately intense physical activity per week.
Dietary changes and increasing activity levels can help in reaching and maintaining an optimal weight. Sometimes, despite all your efforts, you can still have changes in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Genetics can play a role in your cholesterol levels, so speak with your doctor about your personal risks and what you can do to address them.
Emerging research is finding that your gut flora or microbiome influences your cholesterol levels and heart disease risk. Adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented foods to your daily diet can be helpful. In addition to recommending lifestyle and dietary changes, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol levels. Before you begin dramatically changing your diet or taking any supplements, talk with a healthcare professional.
Food is a first-line, all-natural way to deliver more heart-healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to your body. However, certain foods and supplements are less healthful due to their possible interactions with medications or prescriptions.
So before you begin loading up on these foods and supplements to boost your HDL and lower your LDL numbers, talk with a healthcare professional. Together, you can strategize achievable, positive ways to get your cholesterol numbers headed in the right direction. Learn more. A lipid disorder means you have high levels of low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or both.
Learn about prevention and treatment. High triglycerides can have many causes, including genetics. When it's an inherited condition, it's known as familial hypertriglyceridemia. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but can lead to serious health issues. Having too many triglycerides in your blood can be harmful and lead to heart disease.
Here are some natural ways to lower your triglycerides. Lead in water pipes can cause a number of long lasting health effects, and experts say children are particularly vulnerable to them. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What is HDL? Get at least minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity. Maintain a healthy weight, or lose excess pounds if needed.
Besides improving your diet and exercise habits, a comprehensive plan may include lifestyle counseling for stress, sleep hygiene and other individual challenges you face. If you smoke, individual or social support groups are recommended while trying to quit to increase your chances of success. Manage your blood sugar. If you have type 2 diabetes , a healthy diet and exercise are crucial, along with any medications your doctor may recommend. Get the proper amount of good-quality sleep, follow a low-sodium diet and meet the recommended exercise guidelines.
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