1. What treatments are recommended for low HDL-C levels?
Low HDL-C is not usually a target for treatment with medication. While some drugs used to lower LDL-C can also raise HDL-C, these drugs are not typically prescribed based on HDL-C levels. Certain lifestyle changes, however, may be recommended to help increase your HDL-C level. Since smoking can decrease HDL-C levels, quitting smoking (if you are a smoker) is a good way to increase HDL-C. Exercise is another good way to increase HDL-C. Alcohol consumption in moderation (1 to 2 drinks per day) has been reported to increase HDL-C, but there is some controversy about whether this is beneficial. Most physicians do not recommend increasing alcohol intake to increase HDL-C cholesterol.
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2. My HDL-C is high. Is this a problem?
No. High HDL-C is very good—the higher the better.
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