High cholesterol affects more than 100 million adults in the United States. In 2010, more than 35 million of these Americans had levels high enough to put them at significant risk for developing heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HDL lowers blood cholesterol levels but many people don't have enough HDL. Niacin can improve HDL and lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.
HDL
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, lowers the amount of cholesterol in your blood and therefore reduces your risk for heart disease. Because it is dense, HDL easily scrapes excess cholesterol from arterial walls. HDL then transports excess cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver, where it is processed and eliminated along with other body wastes.
Niacin
Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is a naturally occurring substance found in many of your favorite foods, like lean meats, dairy products, nuts, eggs and in some enriched breads and cereals. Niacin is a B vitamin. Niacin is also available in supplement form.
Benefits
Niacin can raise your HDL up to 35 percent, according to MayoClinic.com. Niacin is the most effective drug available when prescribed to raise HDL. Niacin reduces cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which indirectly raises HDL.
Risks
Do not take niacin if you are allergic to nicotinic acid, have liver disease, active bleeding or a stomach ulcer. Speak with your doctor before taking niacin if you have kidney disease, existing heart disease or chest pains, diabetes, gout or other medical conditions. Do not use niacin if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Do not take niacin supplements while taking prescription medications to control HDL.
Levels
Only a blood test can measure HDL levels in the blood. HDL over 60 mg/dL offers the greatest amount of protection for your heart, according to LabTestsOnline.org. Men whose HDL is below 40 mg/dL are at increased risk for heart disease, as are women with HDL below 50 mg/dL.
Instructions
Take niacin as prescribed. Do not take more than your doctor has prescribed and stop taking niacin when your physician directs you to do so. Your doctor may direct you to take niacin at bedtime and with a snack. Do not split, dissolve or crush niacin--swallow the pill or caplet whole. Drink a large glass of cool or cold water with your medication. Hot drinks may cause flushing.
Side Effects
Your doctor prescribed niacin alone or with other medications to raise your HDL. Report any side effects to your doctor. High doses of niacin, up to 1,000mg, can cause flushing of the skin. Other side effects may include dizziness when standing up, upset stomach and headache.
