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For decades people have been told that it is critical to get their cholesterol levels down, especially bad LDL cholesterol. But there is growing recognition that good HDL cholesterol may be nearly as important. A new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine reviewed data from people in Framingham, Massachusetts, who took cholesterol-lowering drugs. Their risk of developing heart disease was inversely related to their level of good HDL cholesterol. The more HDL in the blood stream, the lower the likelihood of heart attack, stroke or death from heart disease. They conclude that doctors should pay attention to changes in HDL cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol when they prescribe medications.
I had been put on Zocor because my bad LDL cholesterol was above 100. Zocor messed up my thyroid medication.
I was told by an endocrinologist that as long as my good HDL cholesterol was over 60, there was no need for any cholesterol drug. My bad LDL cholesterol is generally above 100 but my good HDL cholesterol is always over 60 even in the 70's.
More info on target HDL levels for men and women along with ways to improve HDL levels is what the general public really needs to know. There is no doubt in the medical community that higher HDL levels are desirable. Lots of emphasis, literature and drug commercials have been devoted to reducing LDL levels. How many commercials or advertisements do you see in the media on drugs or other OTC products that raise HDL levels? Almost zero!
I am one male example that has great LDL levels (65) but low HDL levels (39 - 43) and I have just returned from my 2nd hospital stay within seven years for blocked arteries. During my 2002 hospital visit I received 2 stents, during 2009 visit received 3 additional stents. Have been under a cardiologist supervision during the entire time and taking Zocor and Tricor. I have never smoked and have no other known risk factors ( no diabetes, no hypertension, not over weight at 6'01" 180lbs). Where can I go for the best possible medical advice to hopefully prevent future blocked arteries and safely raise my HDL levels?