A new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that increased levels of HDL cholesterol, the good kind, can reduce plaque deposits in arteries and reduce cardiac events. Thick plaque deposits sometimes require bypass surgery to repair if not caught and treated in time.
From the Medscape article: "Individuals in the active treatment arm experienced a 20% decrease in total cholesterol, a 36% increase in HDL cholesterol, a 26% decrease in LDL cholesterol, and a 50% reduction in triglycerides, compared with individuals in the placebo arm."
The treatment included niacin and two other pharmaceuticals. Fish oil (an omega-3 fat) has been shown to have the same benefit, though not with such dramatic results.
Before resorting to pharmaceutical interventions, give diet and exercise a try. A high-fiber diet (lots of vegetables and a daily bowl of oatmeal), 3-9 grams of fish oil a day, and regular exercise (including cardio and weight training) can dramatically reduce total cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. To make this approach more effective, avoid all fried foods, avoid meats high in saturated fats, and make olive oil a part of your daily diet.
[Click the header to read the Medscape article.]
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