What Are the Causes of Low HDL?

HDL cholesterol is also referred to as your "good" or healthy cholesterol, as opposed to LDL cholesterol. A high level of HDL cholesterol reduces your risk of future heart disease. You can increase your HDL cholesterol levels with lifestyle and dietary modifications, as well as medications.

Function

• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) help keep the body healthy by "grabbing" and transporting excess blood cholesterol to the liver, which disposes of this substance found in the bloodstream and cells. HDL cholesterol also helps prevent clotting and inflammation within the blood vessels.

Considerations

• Several factors may cause HDL cholesterol to be low. For example, cigarette smoking decreases the amount of HDL cholesterol present in the blood, as does being overweight. Inactive, sedentary people who eat poor diets are also more prone to have lower HDL levels.

Misconceptions

• Many people assume that lowering overall cholesterol numbers is the most important factor in preventing future heart disease. However, a combined strategy to raise HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol is the most effective way to combat heart disease.

Optimal Levels

• According to the Mayo Clinic, aim to have HDL cholesterol levels of 60 mg/dl or higher. Any level lower than 40 mg/dl is thought to increase the risk of heart disease.

Prevention/Solution

• To increase HDL cholesterol levels, avoid smoking tobacco, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Certain foods such as nuts, fish rich in omega-3 and olive oil are particularly helpful. Medications such as Zocor, Lipitor and niacin may be prescribed by your physician to lower LDL levels while increasing your HDL levels.