Cholesterol: raising HDL cholesterol reduces cardiovascular risk
30 October 2009
Raising levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol — the so-called ‘good’ cholesterol — reduces the risk of cardiovascular events independently of effects on other types of cholesterol, researchers have found.
An international observational study examined the effect that statins, fibrates, resins or niacin (types of cholesterol-lowering medicines) had on HDL levels and cardiovascular events in 454 people with cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes (Arch Intern Med 2009; 169: 1775-80).
They found that a one per cent increase in HDL was associated with a 2 per cent reduction in cardiovascular events, after adjusting for changes in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol — the so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol, pre-treatment cholesterol levels, smoking, weight and beta-blocker medicine use.
Professor Philip Barter, co-author and director of the Heart Research Institute in Sydney, said this was the first study to show an independent effect from increasing HDL levels.
“It gives us confidence... that if we get effective HDL-raising drugs they have the potential to have a very large impact.”
He said there were benefits in raising HDL cholesterol levels up to 1.8 mmol/L, and that both LDL and HDL levels should be targeted.
Professor Barter said niacin (nicotinic acid) was the most effective and safe HDL cholesterol raising agent. It is widely used in the US but not available in Australia.
Last Reviewed: 06 November 2009
- 1. Grover SA, Kaouache M, Joseph L, Barter P, Davignon J. Evaluating the incremental benefits of raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels during lipid therapy after adjustment for the reductions in other blood lipid levels. Arch Intern Med 2009; 169: 1775-80.
