After getting the HDL numbers to 43 (from 28 in 2009) by using plain niacin, fish oil and exercise, a shotgun approach of natural possibilities to raise HDL was adopted in December 2010.
Currently use vitamin D, 2 tbs cocoa in my morning coffee and take cayenne and cinnamon supplements at the maximum recommended dose. The April 22 numbers were ldl 43, Tri 32, HDL 64!! This compares with 66, 67, and 43 respectively in December.
Still on the niacin and fish oil in high doses...liver is fine. The vitamin D and cocoa seem to be the most likely cause of the 50% jump in HDL. If you can get a test for Vitamin D levels, that might be a good way to go without trying all the other stuff. It is most likely the D vitamin. My own HDL has been as low as 22 and never was over low 40's in my life. I am in my late 60's and have 7 stents and one MI that left me with a 35% ejection fraction... down from 60 before the event so the higher the HDL the better chance to live a normal life.
Congratulations on a good lipid profile. HDL is considered the good cholesterol while the LDL is considered the bad cholesterol. Your LDL cholesterol is at an appropriate range given your risk factors although we often try to get it even lower in patients with known heart disease.
Your HDL is slightly low. Most people with LDL cholesterol at your level will have a similar HDL. Your HDL can be raised further by consuming fish with omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon), consuming moderate amounts of red wine or increasing your aerobic exercise.