What is HDL?

Cholesterol is not soluble in the blood so causes blockage of blood vessels which than results in coronary diseases or if coronary disease is already present in the person than it will result in causing more severe conditions. So Cholesterol transport in blood becomes very important for sustaining the body functions.

A high level of HDL is thus recommended for a healthy life style. The standard level of HDL for any healthy individual is 60mg/dl or higher and not less than 40 mg/dl. However the HDL level in women is generally higher than men.

Diagnosis of HDL levels in any individual can be done by blood test performed only after about 12 hours of fasting period.

In our body HDL is naturally generated by the intestine and the liver. However we can also increase the level of HDL by performing mild aerobic exercise daily in routine, avoiding the habit of overeating as obesity causes decreased level of HDL, stop smoking, avoiding the consumption of trans fatty acid, increase the level of monounsaturated fats and consuming more fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish products, etc. in the diet. However consuming a little bit of alcohol is also supposed to increase the level of HDL in the body but due to its side effects it is not recommended by the doctors.

However their are various medicines which can also increase the level of HDL in the blood and can be prescribed by a physician include Cholestyramine, Gemfibrozil, Niacin and its derivatives like Nicotinic acid, Nicotinamide, Inositol Hexaniacinate, etc.