HDL (good cholesterol) management involves bringing HDL to above 40 mg/dl. There are four ways in which to bring the HDL up:
1. Lifestyle modifications
- Excercise is one of the most potent stimulus for increase of HDL.
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss
2. Diet modification
- Limiting saturated fats in favor of "healthy fats" like omerga 3 fatty acids described above.
3. General medications managament
There are three classes of medications that notoriously lower HDL. They are beta blockers, benzodiazepines, and androgens like testosterone. DO NOT STOP these on your own if you are on them, but rather talk to your doctor about it. Beta-blockers in particular, if you are on them, have other heart benefits that outweigh their detriment to the HDL.
4. Specific meds that raise HDL
- Niacin is the drug of choice for people with no other cholesterol problems. It raises HDL by about 30%.
- Another drug called Lopid is sometimes used as well, especially if you have other cholesterol probs
Obviusly, this is just an overview. Talk to your doctor about specifics and good luck.