Drugs Raising 'Good' Cholesterol May Be Harmful

Drugs attempting to raise 'good' cholesterol may actually do more harm than good according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study concludes that there is only slim evidence that raising 'good' cholesterol artificially is even good for the heart.

Science has long attempted to raise levels of good cholesterol as a way of addressing the 40 percent of cardiovascular problems that are linked to people who have lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or 'good' cholesterol). In fact, HDL blood levels of less than 35 mg/dL indicates a dramatic increase in the risk of heart disease. It estimated that 16 to 18 percent of men have low levels of HDL, while 3 to 6 percent of women are also afflicted.

Yet even when the levels of HDL are raised artificially, the results do not necessarily lower the risks of heart disease. The review of the 31 randomized controlled trials also concluded that in some cases the drugs might be harmful. In part the findings could be a result of the varying types of HDL. The beneficial types carry fat from arteries and to the liver. However, HDL varies in the types of tasks it performs. Some types could even increase inflammation, leading to clouts, not cleared arteries.

Therefore a patient that has higher levels of HDL after taking drugs may not be getting any real benefit, and may be assuming more risks.

"HDL is a much more complicated issue than LDL," said Prediman Shah, M.D., director of the Atherosclerosis Research Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in a press release about the findings. "It's not only important how much HDL there is, but what kind it is. Quality is as important as quantity. Is the function good or is it (a form of HDL) that doesn't do the job properly."

The researchers concluded that the most effective drug to raise HDL is niacin. However, over one third of the population can not take the vitamin in doses high enough to be effective because of undesirable side effects. The researchers also noted that most new drugs attempting to raise HDL have also increased the risk for mortality and heart disease.

However, for those concerned about there HDL levels, losing weight, getting exercise, and stopping smoking are still proven ways of increasing the levels of 'good' cholesterol. For those that want additional HDL, the report also suggested eating fish or taking a fish oil supplement that contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. SOURCES: "New review suggests caution on drugs to raise 'good' cholesterol" Eurekalert. URL: (http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-08/cfta-nrs081407.php)