HDL cholesterol is one of the fats, called lipids, that circulate in your blood. Your body uses lipids to make hormones, skin oils, digestive fluids and vitamin D. To maintain your body's health, lipid levels must be balanced within a certain range. Keeping the optimal HDL level plays a key role in preventing heart disease and stroke.
Function
There are two kinds of cholesterol in your body: low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is a wax-like substance that can build up on blood vessel walls. Over time, these harden into patches called plaque. As the plaque builds up, it narrows the blood vessel, restricting blood flow. If this happens in arteries serving the heart muscle, it can lead to coronary heart disease and angina.
On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. One function of HDL cholesterol is to prevent LDL cholesterol from lodging on artery walls. HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol to your liver from other parts of your body, and the liver removes the cholesterol. The higher your HDL cholesterol level, the lower your chance of getting heart disease. Unfortunately, keeping just the right balance of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can be complicated.
Levels
You can control LDL and HDL levels to some extent with dietary and lifestyle choices. There is also, however, a genetic component involved in cholesterol levels. This means that some families are more prone to cholesterol imbalances than others and must be more vigilant about their diet and lifestyle choices. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends keeping blood levels of LDL cholesterol below 150 milligrams per deciliter. For HDL cholesterol, the recommended level is above 60 mg/dL.
TLC Diet
Nutritional experts developed the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, or TLC diet, to help maintain both LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. The diet focuses on high-fiber foods such as beans, whole grain cereals, fruits and vegetables, and foods low in saturated fats and high in omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include salmon, tuna and halibut. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute explains that the TLC diet can help block absorption of LDL cholesterol in the digestive tract, reducing the amount that gets into your blood. Population studies have found that cultures with diets high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as Eskimos and those living in Mediterranean countries, also tend to have high blood levels of HDL cholesterol.
Lifestyle Choices
In addition to good dietary choices, you should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking if you smoke and consume alcohol only in moderation. These measures will not only help lower your LDL cholesterol, but should also raise the HDL levels in your blood.
Medication
When diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to affect your HDL levels, your doctor might prescribe a medication to help. Fibrates, or fibric acid derivatives, are one option. These drugs are often prescribed when you've reached your LDL goal, but your HDL is still too low.
Another option for raising your HDL level is prescription niacin, or nicotinic acid. Although niacin is available as a dietary supplement, you should never use this form to treat cholesterol issues. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration strictly regulates prescription niacin, making certain the dosage is consistent. Supplemental niacin, however, is not regulated and its contents can be dangerously inconsistent.
