Moreover it seems old saying that “vino fa buon sangue” wine makes good bllod is true. Alcohol, particularly red wine, consumed in moderation, helps to raise HDL. More than one or two drinks a day can be very detrimental for your health.

Drug Therapies There are several classes of drugs currently prescribed for cholesterol disorders. Even though their prime job is to decrease “bad” LDL, they do also increase HDL levels.

Statins This class of drug can increase HDL cholesterol anywhere from 3 to 10 percent. Being as they are most effective drug for reducing harmful LDL, 3-10% isn’t so bad as a fringe benefit. However, other classes of drugs are more effective on HDL, while not quite so effective on getting “bad” LDL down to desired levels.

Niacin This class of drug is actually from B group of vitamins; however it is a much more potent source than can be found at your local health store. Niacin, or nicotinic acid, can raise HDL levels by 15 to 30 percent. Although this is an effective medication if your suffer from diabetes it is very unlikely that your doctor will put you on this class of drugs.

Fibrates This class of drug is commonly prescribes for triglyceride disorders. However triglycerides and HDL go hand in hand. When triglycerides are high HDL levels are commonly low, and vice-versa. This class of drug generally raises HDL by 10-15%.

Drugs are drugs and don’t come without risks. In fact, some doctors, in order to get their patients cholesterol levels to desired levels, are prescribing statins in together with nicotinic acid or fibrates. This can increase risk of liver dysfunction or muscle toxicity, a rare but potentially serious complication of statins. This may also occur if combines with some antibiotics or anti-depressants.

From methods above, you can see that to increase HDL cholesterol levels can be with or without risks; and with or without costs. If you truly value your health, and your money, you should seriously try lifestyle modifications. If you still need drugs, if you implement recommended lifestyle modification dosages are almost guaranteed to be lower. However, never alter dosage of any medication without speaking to your doctor. For part 1 of this article, please select following link: hdl cholesterol – part 1

Omega-3 in fish oil supplements can help in lowering both readings for systolic (blood pumped from heart to cells) and diastolic (blood pumped from cells to heart) so that harmful blood clots are not triggered and lodged in blood vessels. Salt intake has been linked to hypertension. Eliminating salt from diet helps to lower blood pressure in most people. Go on a vegetarian diet as fruits and vegetables are main sources of potassium, a known blood pressure lowering mineral. The fibre provided in a vegetarian diet may also help reduce high blood pressure.

Reduce intake of dairy fat and cholesterol. Avoid caffeine from coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks. Avoid alcohol. Exercise regularly. Weight loss can lower blood pressure in individuals who are overweight and hypertensive. Manage stress wisely. Relaxation techniques which include deep breathing exercises, meditation and yoga help in lowering blood pressure. Stop smoking as, together with hypertension, it greatly increases risk of heart disease.