Question:
What can happen if your HDL falls to low?

I was wondering this because at my one month appointment I had my labs done and they told me my HDL levels were 33 (supposed to be over 40). Now today I was told they were low again (they didn't tell me how low but I find out tomorrow) but that I need to exercise. Well I do exercise (alot more than I did pre-op). So I am wondering what other than exercise I can do to bring it up? Also what will happen if it continues to fall? I am just wondering as I am currently having tests for what I call blackouts and tingling in hands and feet. 6/27/03 292/242 -50 and I will ask my doctor but I am wondering now.    — horserider0146 (posted on August 29, 2003)

August 29, 2003
I had the SAME thing happen, the MD's told me to increase my exercise, that is the only way to bring it up- mine was really LOW. I said " I AM EXERCISING". According to medical journals it can cause heart failure if your HDL is too low- I just had my 16 months labs it is now 44!!
   — ~~Stacie~~

August 29, 2003
Hdl is the "good" cholesterol, Ldl is the "bad". exercise will help as will eating soy products.
   — **willow**

August 29, 2003
You just had surgery 2 months ago, tell the surgoen to chill out. It takes time for the HDL to come up - like many months! Mine was like 34 or 35 at my 3 month labs and the surgeon said something but not to worry that it would increase as I got more mobile and could exercise more. I just had my 6 months labs and he did not say anything about it so I assume it has gone up at least a little. It is not likely to crop anymore since no matter what you are doing more exercise than you were before surgery. So it is only likely to go up, even if it is slowly.
   — zoedogcbr

August 29, 2003
Low HDL has been linked to depression, cognitive problems, stroke, poor vision, and heart disease. As your doctor has already told you, aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to increase your HDL. An additional method is to increase your intake of "good fats" (e.g., flax seeds, fatty fish like salmon and tuna, fish oil, etc.) and your saturated fats too (fatty meat, cheese, whole milk). Avoid trans-fats (fast foods and anything that says "hydrogenated oil" on the label), because they lower HDL. Moderate alcohol consumption and supplementation with niacin (Vitamin B3) should also help.
   — Tally