Low HDL Cholesterol Levels: Not Good For Your HealthThere are a variety of causes for lower levels of HDL like smoking, alcoholism, and some diseases leading to low levels of HDL cholesterol. Approximately over 14 million people in U.S. alone have coronary heart disease, many of whom have lower HDL levels. A person should have higher than 40 mg/dL levels of HDL in order to stay protected from heart problems. Low levels of HDL cholesterol predisposes to the development of atherosclerosis due to impaired transport of LDL cholesterol back to liver for further processing and elimination. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the blood arteries become hard and thick due to accumulation of LDL or “bad” cholesterol over years. Low HDL Cholesterol becomes an important health issue as HDL or cholesterol plays a pivotal role in LDL or “bad” cholesterol transportation and mobilization from the blood circulation towards liver. Lower-than-normal HDL levels are directly related to higher incidence of heart disease as risk of heart attack increases 2% for every 1% decrease in HDL cholesterol. Interestingly, about 58% heart disease patients have HDL cholesterol below the 10th percentile of normal values of HDL cholesterol levels.
Discover a supplement that can help have high HDL cholesterol by clicking here! What are the Causes for Low levels of HDL Cholesterol?Causes known for low HDL cholesterol levels vary. Familial HDL deficiency is the primary cause whereas obesity, passive life-style, smoking, type-2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, very low-fat diet, severe liver disease, high triglyceride levels, use of certain medications like anabolic steroids, poor absorption of nutrients, and malnutrition are the common secondary causes of low levels of HDL. Good news is that you can very well boost your HDL cholesterol levels by losing weight, smoking cessation, regular aerobic exercises, getting your blood glucose levels under control in case you have diabetes, and adding natural supplements like niacin in your diet. There are currently no medications available in the market that can solely raise your HDL cholesterol levels. Therefore, a composite approach is often required to achieve desired levels of HDL cholesterol. Low levels of HDL Cholesterol and FatsLast but not least a good diet control is a cornerstone of any effort to counter low HDL cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of diet rich in saturated fats not only raises your LDL or “bad” cholesterol but it also blocks the protective effects of your HDL cholesterol. Saturated fats are detrimental to your overall health and cholesterol and should be avoided to keep healthy cholesterol levels. Monosaturated fats are present in plant oils like olive, canola and peanut oils. These fats protect your HDL levels and help you in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and should be preferred over saturated and trans fats.
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