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Low HDL Symptoms

Cholesterol is essential for producing cell membranes and other healthy body functions. Our blood contains both LDL (low-density lipoproteins--the "bad" cholesterol) and HDL (high-density lipoproteins--the "good" cholesterol). High levels of LDL cholesterol have been shown to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. High levels of HDL, on the other hand, appear to protect against heart disease.

  1. Symptoms

    • There are no symptoms for low HDL. Cholesterol levels, including HDL, can be determined only by a blood test. A complete fasting lipoprotein profile will measure the levels of HDL, LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol. The effect of long-term low HDL cholesterol levels is an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

    Causes

    • Some of our cholesterol profile is genetic, but there are also lifestyle choices that can lower HDL. Factors that lower HDL include uncontrolled diabetes, being overweight, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in carbohydrates.

    Diagnosis

    • Your doctor will determine your cardiovascular risk factors based on the cholesterol levels of your blood test. According to the Mayo Clinic, HDL cholesterol levels for men average between 40 to 50 mg/dl. For women, it's 50 to 60 mg/dl. HDL cholesterol below those levels is considered low HDL. HDL cholesterol levels above 60 mg/dl help protect against heart disease.

    Raising HDL

    • There are no prescription medicines available today that are specific to raising HDL cholesterol levels, although drugs to lower LDL levels sometimes incidentally raise HDL levels. HDL also can be raised by lifestyle changes. A combination of diet and exercise has been shown to both raise HDL levels and lower LDL levels. Thirty minutes of exercise four times a week is the minimum recommended. A healthy diet to raise HDL includes such foods as olive oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, cold-water fish, nuts, legumes and beans and cranberry juice. Hydrogenated oils and trans-fats should be eliminated from the diet. Niacin and vitamin C have both been shown to be helpful in raising HDL cholesterol levels.

    Considerations

    • The American Heart Association recommends having a fasting lipoprotein profile done every five years. More frequent tesing is indicated if you have high cholesterol, are a male over 45 or a female over 50, if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dl, or if you have other risk factors such as smoking.

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