Low LDL and Low HDL, etc.

Here are my 'stats' :

Triglycerides: 75
HDL: 29
LDL: 77
Chol: 121

I'm 40 years old, white, I don't smoke, drink a few beers a week, don't eat fast food, I weigh about 185 and I'm
75" tall ... I keep fit, try to eat well, and consider myself in great shape for my age.

So what's up with the super low HDL value?

I mean, would this go up (along with the others) if I started eating fast food daily? Putting me into
'normal' ranges in all categories???

Is this some genetic issue or do I simply not need a lot of HDL given my lifestyle/diet....

Thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated.

I also have sinus bradycardia (between 50-60 bpm) and sinus arrythmia....if that's helpful at all.

Thanks!

[erijon]

I wouldn't eat fast food to get my HDL up, a small increase in HDL will lead to a much larger increase in LDL. There are better ways to increase your HDL. The best way is exercise, regular exercise, min of 30 mins per day 7 days a week, will raise your HDL. You can also look at Niacin,it is also used to raise HDL but please check with your doctor, first.

You need to understand the role HDL plays. HDL binds with LDL to remove it from your blood and keep it from accumulating in your arteries. You have a low LDL numbers so you don't need as much HDL, but 29 is too low. I would look at increasing the amount of exercise you're doing and ask your doctor about supplements.

Good luck!

Jon

[stizwv]

I was joking about the fast food. :)

Is Niacin over the counter?

Thanks for the help!

[erijon]

Yes, but you should always talk to your doctor before starting a supplement. Niacin can have some side effects, it can cause facial flushing which takes some getting used to.

[Encephalomalcia]

Salmon, dark chocolate raise HDL levels.  Look for Omega 3 in your foods.  For men the HDL is lower than for women.  You should try to get your HDL at least in the thirties if not higher.  You can ask your doctor about fish oil also.  A good multi-B vitamin is good for the heart and nervous system.  

[Lutheran122]

Does dark chocolate also raise LDL? Does it have a lot of bad fats in it?