Well my HDL is low,I am in cardio Rehab, wife says I'm lazy,
I am left handed,depressed, a curmudgeon,and pretty much a loner.
Seems we have a lot in common:}
Richard

LOL - agreed

HDL has several functions-carries cholesterol back from the artery to liver for disposal, is anti-inflammatory and protects against more than heart disease, and delivers cholesterol to tissues that make hormones. Many good proteins are carried in normal HDL.To improve HDL there are at least three options:
1. Statins-they not only lower LDL but raise HDL
2. Niacin-many people don't tolerate and recent trials cast some doubt
3. Exercise-works better in males than females
4. Of course estrogens and plant derived estrogen like molecules.
Surprisingly triglycerides and HDL go in the opposite directions. Thus, fibrates and fish oil may work to some extent.
A word of caution-now it is believed that in addition to the quantity of HDL, the quality or functionality of HDL matters.

I recently read that 3 LDL's attach to 1 HDL to be washed out of the body. My good cholesterol is only 39 but they seem fine with that because my bad is only 47. I am on Lipitor and watch my diet closely. Have lost about 20 lbs, but because of this condition they want my bad at 70 or below. Well, I made the goal.

However, I guess my ratio from bad to good is okay. I was wondering though, has anyone had sudden increased blood sugar levels since being on a statin? I know I have.

Thanks,

Oh, I might add I can be lazy and depressed and am left handed and sort of a loner. However, I was also diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome about 2 years ago and most of the above symptoms I believe come from that not my HDL levels.