Good cholesterol (HDL, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol) plays crucial role in reducing risk of heart diseases irrespective of amount of bad cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol). Higher the patient’s HDL; lower the risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Even if you can reduce LDL to low levels, it is of no use if you don’t have sufficient HDL.
This was revealed in a research study by Sydney Heart Research Institute on 9,700 patients who are on Lipitor (Atorvostatin, cholesterol lowering drug) medication. The research study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Image courtesy: Kansas School of medicine.
But researchers failed to give proper details on the protective mechanism of HDL cholesterol irrespective of LDL cholesterol.
But it is very difficult to raise HDL levels. Niacin is the only drug that can raise good cholesterol levels but it has serious side effects. Statins can reduce only bad cholesterol levels but have minor effect on good cholesterol levels.
Reducing bad cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol) levels reduce heart disease and stroke risk by 50%. If we can develop a magic that can elevate HDL Cholesterol without side effects, we can cut heart disease risk by 90%.
It is good to keep LDL Cholesterol level under 100 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol level above 50 mg/dl.
Smoking, uncontrolled blood pressure, unhealthy diet habits and stressful life are other major risk factors.
Physicians should now concentrate on HDL levels otherwise patients are still at risk of heart diseases even though their LDL levels are under control.
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