Impact of Triglycerides on HDL

Research has shown a strong link between HDL cholesterol and a fat in the blood called triglycerides. If your triglyceride level is high, your HDL cholesterol level is probably low. If your triglyceride level is low, your HDL cholesterol level is probably high. Therefore, lowering your triglyceride level can help to improve your HDL cholesterol level.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute classifies triglyceride levels as “normal” if they are below 150. Strategies for reducing triglyceride levels include the following:
• Decrease the amount of saturated fat in your diet.
• Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet in which carbohydrates are eaten in proportion to proteins, vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids and fiber.
• Use sugar only sparingly and limit alcohol use.
• Start a regular exercise program (see How to Exercise Safely).
• Achieve and maintain and a healthy weight.
• Control diabetes.
• Control high blood pressure.
If these strategies are unsuccessful, a physician might prescribe nicotinic acid, certain Fibrates (e.g., fenofibrate) or other types of cholesterol-reducing drugs.