Don’t Forget the HDL Cholesterol Fraction

Most boomers are well aware of the need to keep their ‘cholesterol’ level under control, and many take a medication (e.g. a statin).  They’re happy when their efforts result in adequate control of the major cholesterol fraction, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or their total cholesterol.  But the ‘good cholesterol’, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is almost as important.  This has been shown in a study reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The role of HDL-C was studied in 454 patients in the Framingham Offspring Study who were started on various lipid-lowering regimens.  The purpose of the analysis was to see whether increases in HDL-C were independently linked with a reduction in cardiovascular ‘events’ (e.g. heart attack, unstable angina, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, or stroke).  The patients were followed for an average of 8 years.

After adjustment for changes in LDL-C and plasma triglycerides, and for differences in pre-treatment lipid levels, smoking status, body weight, and the use of beta-blocking drugs to treat high blood pressure, there was evidence that an increase in HDL-C level was a strong predictor of a lessened likelihood of a cardiac event.  There was a 21% drop in the risk of such an event for every 5 mg/dL increase in HDL-C.  This benefit was not associated with the use of any particular lipid-lowering drug.

Not surprisingly, some drug manufacturers are seeking new drugs that are targeted at raising HDL-C levels; none has yet been marketed, however.  Cranberry juice has been shown to increase HDL-C levels, as have fish and other foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.  But most of the common lifestyle efforts to lower total cholesterol are likely to raise your HDL-C somewhat, as well;  just don’t forget to monitor it, too.