Niaspan to raise my HDL?

[Jared1975]

I'm a 32 year old male. Non-smoker. Exercise 6 hours per week. No significant family history of heart disease. Five years ago my total cholesterol & LDL levels were high and my HDL was a wimpy 26. Since that time, I have changed my diet and started a vigorous excercise regimen. But for the past four years of working hard, I can't get my HDL over 38--although now my total cholesterol is 162, LDL is 110, and triglecerides are 100.

I wonder if my borderline low HDL warrants taking Niaspan or something else. Please advise.

[John1029]

Had MI at age 34. With an HDL of 19. Today 16 years later HDL is 44. A result of 1 hr daily cardio exercise, 2000 mgs of niacin, maintaining healthy diet, weight and lipitor. Each contributed some to the increase. If you can tollerate it. Take it. Just test blood every 3 months to watch liver functions. This is as high as it will get.
John