Raising HDL--Good cholesterol, Any suggestions?

[Guest guest]

I have genetically low HDL which has resulted in heart disease. My

overall cholesterol and blood pressure were not that bad. At the

time of my diagnosis I had around 160 overall cholesterol, 100 LDL,

triglycerides a bit over accepted amount but much better now. My HDL

was always low from the 20's to 30's. I am on statins for LDL and

they also help reduce C-reactive protein which can cause inflammation

of the arteries and heart disease. To increase HDL I am on 2,000mg.

of Niaspan per day which is a time released Niacin that has less

negative affects on the liver than regular Niacin and less intense

flushing effect which diminishes with time. My HDL now fluctuates

from the 30's to the 50's

 

I have been a vegetarian most of my life and have been Vegan now for

over seven years. I have done the Flaxseed and oil thing, though now

there is a big debate as to whether it is as effective as fish oil.

I drink alcohol in moderation as moderate alcohol consumption and

exercise seem to be two of the most effective factors in increasing

HDL. I have also heard of Guggul lipid supplements and am trying

these presently. I read a study where a glass or orange juice a day

helped raise HDL.

 

I have had a healthy life style of walking, jogging, and biking miles

and miles. Even after my diagnosis and some medical intervention I

was able to take a 40 mile bike trip that summer. I took a two mile

walk twelve days after heart surgery and probably could have done it

much sooner. I seem to be an enigma to all the medical folks and

they think genetics have played a major role though no one in my

family seems to have had this problem. My mother died at age 57 from

injuries suffered in a car accident so I do not know if she would

have had these problems.

 

I was diagnosed right before my fiftieth birthday and am doing very

well, however heart disease is usually progressive though the

progression can be stopped and in some cases reversed but HDL is a

big factor in that. So, any proven suggestions would be welcomed.

However I am not too keen on the Dean Ornish diet as I think his

restriction of fats to 10% of diet would be more harmful for me as I

need the arterial protection some of the good fats give.

 

I do plan on seeing a holistic doctor in the area who has a good

reputation.