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What Causes High HDL Levels?

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Posted on Thu, 9 Apr 2015
Question: My cholesterol numbers are mid range for LDL and Triglycerides but my HDL is at 111 which I am told is too high! Why? Are Statins a good choice to lower this?
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The only thing I would recommend is to find the reason.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern I don't recommend you any treatment for your HDL cholesterol level. It signifies "good" cholesterol, thus protective, and should not be lowered by any means. When it is very high like in your case it may be atherogenic. The mechanism of this paradoxical effect is not clearly understood. The reasons why HDL may be very high are chronic alcoholism, treatment with oral estrogen replacement therapy, extensive aerobic exercise, and treatment with fibrates, niacin, or statins, quitting smoking, etc. So the first thing to do is to investigate for any detectable causes of very high HDL level. Finding the right reason may help to control HDL levels. A comprehensive review of your medical history and some check up blood tests may be needed.

Hope to have been helpful to you.
Feel free to ask me whenever you need. Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9539 Questions

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What Causes High HDL Levels?

Brief Answer: The only thing I would recommend is to find the reason. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! Regarding your concern I don't recommend you any treatment for your HDL cholesterol level. It signifies "good" cholesterol, thus protective, and should not be lowered by any means. When it is very high like in your case it may be atherogenic. The mechanism of this paradoxical effect is not clearly understood. The reasons why HDL may be very high are chronic alcoholism, treatment with oral estrogen replacement therapy, extensive aerobic exercise, and treatment with fibrates, niacin, or statins, quitting smoking, etc. So the first thing to do is to investigate for any detectable causes of very high HDL level. Finding the right reason may help to control HDL levels. A comprehensive review of your medical history and some check up blood tests may be needed. Hope to have been helpful to you. Feel free to ask me whenever you need. Greetings! Dr. Iliri