title: Nonpharmacologic management of low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
abstract: Several nonpharmacologic approaches can effectively increase low serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), including weight control, specific nutritional choices, exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking cessation. Increased visceral fat is inversely associated with HDL-C in both men and women. During weight reduction, HDL-C, HDL2-C, and apolipoprotein A-1 (apo A-1) tend to decrease, but levels increase with sustained weight loss. Overall, weight cycling is not detrimental in terms of serum lipids. Increasing monounsaturated fat intake and reducing carbohydrates increases HDL-C levels. Lowering trans-fatty acid intake also improves serum lipids. A very low-fat diet combined with stress-lowering lifestyle changes has been shown to cause regression of coronary artery disease. Moderate alcohol consumption, even in diabetic patients, and smoking cessation can increase serum HDL-C levels.
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Ginsberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood*; D004036:Diet, Atherogenic; D000431:Ethanol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D000431:Ethanol