relationship between high HDL and Cirrhosis?

I am a 50 yr old female who drinks about two liters of vodka a week, and like most heavy drinkers I'm trying to cut down. I work-out regularly, eat a good diet, and take HRT.  I have had hepatitis b but never experienced any sypmtoms from it.  I have my liver enzymes checked every year. The most recent, in May '06 were AST 23, ALT 12, and GGT 18.  I also had my cholesterol checked at the same time. Those numbers were Cholesterol 206, LDL 73, Triglycerides 61, and HDL 120.  I have read where high HDL may be caused by a number of factors, one being chronic heavy alcohol abuse.  Over the years I've noticed the more I drink the higher my HDL gets. (Last year it was 106, and I was drinking less than two liters a week.)  Too bad it takes more than good cholestrol numbers to live a healthy life.  I'm afraid of giving myself liver cirrhosis. My question:  Is there a correlation between high HDL and alcoholic liver disease?

Thanks for your help.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Some studies have shown that mild intake of red wine can increase the HDL.  However, I am not aware of a specific connection between high HDL and alcohol liver disease.  

If there is concern about liver disease, periodic monitoring of the liver enzymes can be considered.  Imaging the liver with an ultrasound can also detect initial liver damage from alcohol.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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