Low HDL cholesterol

  • I have gone to my heart doctor and had my cholesterol checked and my overall cholesterol is good,it is 136 and my LDL is 96(bad cholesterol), but my (good cholesterol) HDL is only 13. The first time I had it checked in 2005 my HDL was 20 and my doctor put me on niacin 500mg, and then 6 months later I had it checked again and my HDL was 16, so he increased my niacin to 1000mg, and now six months later my HDL is 13. My doctor said he has never seen HDL so low in a person, I am only 41. I am really getting worried and I don't fully understand why this is happening and what to do about it?


  • Hi!! Your condition has a name: Hypoalphalipoproteinemia: "A low HDL cholesterol level is often inherited. Obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, diabetes, or kidney disorders (such as nephrotic syndrome) may contribute to a low HDL cholesterol level. Drugs such as beta-blockers and anabolic steroids can lower the HDL cholesterol level. Having a low HDL cholesterol level increases the risk of atherosclerosis (see Atherosclerosis). Therefore, lifestyle changes to eliminate conditions that lower the HDL cholesterol level are advised when applicable: losing weight, increasing physical activity, and stopping smoking. Some lipid-lowering drugs increase the HDL cholesterol level and may be used in people who also have high LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels." From "Hypolipoproteinemia: Cholesterol Disorders: Merck Manual Home Edition": http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec12/ch157/ch157c.html According to other reputed sources it also increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Read the following articles for further information: "Patient Information - Familial Hypoalphalipoproteinemia": http://www.lipid.org/clinical/patients/1000003.php "eMedicine - Low HDL Cholesterol (Hypoalphalipoproteinemia)": Article by Vibhuti N Singh, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI (I strongly suggest you to read this one and discuss your finds with your dosctor). http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3368.htm "How to increase your HDL levels": http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cholesterol/a/raiseHDL.htm The following keywords will give you a plethora of pages where you can find more info: "Low HDL cholesterol" hypoalphalipoproteinemia I hope this helps you. Regards, livioflores-ga







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