A test measures the amount of each type of cholesterol in your blood. This narrows the arteries and increases the risk for heart attack , stroke and peripheral artery disease PAD. Only one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store excess energy from your diet. A high triglyceride level combined with high LDL bad cholesterol or low HDL good cholesterol is linked with fatty buildups within the artery walls, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
These include:. Bottom line: Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in anthocyanins may help increase HDL cholesterol levels. The omega-3 fats in fatty fish provide benefits to heart health, including a reduction in inflammation and better functioning of the cells that line the arteries 40 , Some research suggests that eating fatty fish or taking fish oil supplements may also help raise low levels of HDL cholesterol 42 , In a study of 33 people with heart disease, participants who consumed fatty fish four times per week for 8 weeks had an increase in HDL cholesterol levels.
The particle size of their HDL also increased However, other studies found no increase in HDL cholesterol in response to increased fish or omega-3 supplement intake Bottom line: Eating fatty fish several times per week may help increase HDL cholesterol levels and provide other benefits to heart health.
Artificial trans fats have many negative health effects due to their inflammatory properties 45 , There are two types of trans fats. One kind occurs naturally in animal products, including full fat dairy.
In contrast, manufacturers create artificial trans fats, which are present in margarines and processed foods, by adding hydrogen to unsaturated vegetable and seed oils. These fats are also known as industrial trans fats or partially hydrogenated fats. In addition to increasing inflammation and contributing to several health concerns, these artificial trans fats may lower HDL cholesterol levels. To protect heart health and keep HDL cholesterol within the healthful range, it is best to avoid artificial trans fats altogether.
Bottom line: Research suggests that artificial trans fats can lower HDL levels and increase inflammation, compared with other fats.
Although HDL cholesterol levels are partly determined by genetics, there are many things a person can do to naturally increase their levels. This includes eating healthful fats, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and fatty fish, and avoiding harmful trans fats.
Getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and eating antioxidant-rich foods are also effective for increasing HDL cholesterol. The habits and practices that raise HDL cholesterol often provide other health benefits, and they are key components of a healthful lifestyle.
Doctors advise people to limit their overall cholesterol but maximize levels of high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol. Why is this, and it is…. There are many ways to improve cardiac health, and watching what we eat is one of the most important. Here, we provide details of 16 heart-healthy…. The body needs cholesterol, but too much bad cholesterol can be harmful and is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
In this article…. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and coronary heart disease, because it builds up in the arteries, narrowing them. It does not…. There are two types of cholesterol. With HDL cholesterol, higher numbers are better, because a high HDL level can lower your risk for coronary artery disease and stroke. How high your HDL should be depends on your age and sex:. If your HDL level is too low, lifestyle changes may help. These changes may also help prevent other diseases, and make you feel better overall:.
Some cholesterol medicines , including certain statins , can raise your HDL level, in addition to lowering your LDL level. Health care providers don't usually prescribe medicines only to raise HDL. If you are taking one of these and you have a very low HDL level, ask your provider if you should continue to take them. Diabetes can also lower your HDL level, so that gives you another reason to manage your diabetes. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.
Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. What is cholesterol? It is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Dietary changes and increasing activity levels can help in reaching and maintaining an optimal weight. Sometimes, despite all your efforts, you can still have changes in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Genetics can play a role in your cholesterol levels, so speak with your doctor about your personal risks and what you can do to address them.
Emerging research is finding that your gut flora or microbiome influences your cholesterol levels and heart disease risk. Adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented foods to your daily diet can be helpful. In addition to recommending lifestyle and dietary changes, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol levels.
Before you begin dramatically changing your diet or taking any supplements, talk with a healthcare professional. Food is a first-line, all-natural way to deliver more heart-healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to your body.
However, certain foods and supplements are less healthful due to their possible interactions with medications or prescriptions. So before you begin loading up on these foods and supplements to boost your HDL and lower your LDL numbers, talk with a healthcare professional. Together, you can strategize achievable, positive ways to get your cholesterol numbers headed in the right direction. Learn more.
A lipid disorder means you have high levels of low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or both. Learn about prevention and treatment. High triglycerides can have many causes, including genetics. When it's an inherited condition, it's known as familial hypertriglyceridemia. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but can lead to serious health issues.
Having too many triglycerides in your blood can be harmful and lead to heart disease. Here are some natural ways to lower your triglycerides. Anthropophobia is a fear of people. Typically, a fear of people is associated with…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What is HDL? What are optimal HDL levels?
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