Which intervention is known to raise HDL cholesterol?

Which intervention is known to raise HDL cholesterol?

• A. Omega-3 fatty acids
• B. Statin
• C. Fibrate
• D. Niacin

Answer: (D)

Niacin raises HDL cholesterol because it directly slows the liver’s clearance of HDL particles and reduces hepatic production of other lipids, so more HDL stays in the bloodstream. It inhibits the breakdown and removal of HDL, partly by decreasing apoA-I catabolism, and also lowers VLDL synthesis in the liver, which shifts overall lipid metabolism toward higher HDL levels. Among lipid therapies, this produces the most substantial increase in HDL. Omega-3 fatty acids mainly lower triglycerides with only modest, inconsistent effects on HDL; statins mainly reduce LDL with little consistent HDL boost; fibrates raise HDL modestly but typically not as much as niacin. Keep in mind niacin can cause flushing and other side effects, which can limit its use.

Niacin raises HDL cholesterol because it directly slows the liver’s clearance of HDL particles and reduces hepatic production of other lipids, so more HDL stays in the bloodstream. It inhibits the breakdown and removal of HDL, partly by decreasing apoA-I catabolism, and also lowers VLDL synthesis in the liver, which shifts overall lipid metabolism toward higher HDL levels. Among lipid therapies, this produces the most substantial increase in HDL. Omega-3 fatty acids mainly lower triglycerides with only modest, inconsistent effects on HDL; statins mainly reduce LDL with little consistent HDL boost; fibrates raise HDL modestly but typically not as much as niacin. Keep in mind niacin can cause flushing and other side effects, which can limit its use.