I have the same issue. LDL and Trigylcerides are in the dirt. Way low, which is good. But HDL is always 35-42. Doc said execise and diet. Well I work out 5 days a week . Weights and cardio. I added niacin, red rice yeast and fish oil, along with a shot of olive oil in my protein shakes. that got me to 42 on HDL. I take Vytorin (statin drug) which works great for all the bad cholesterol, but does nothing to up the HDL.
Just had BW done on Monday, so we will see if this formula is progressing.
I don't know if you know it or not but red rice yeast is a statin, I would add CoQ10 to my list of supps.
Benefits of CoQ10
The truth about CoQ10 and Statins
The benefits of CoQ10 are numerous, and it is one of the most important compounds for maintaining the proper functioning of the heart. A deficiency of CoQ10 (CoEnzyme Q10) can lead to various kinds of heart disease among other serious health conditions.
What is CoQ10 and why is it so important?
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound found in the body, and a powerful antioxidant. It is a coenzyme, similar to a vitamin, and as such assists in various internal processes.
Specifically, CoQ10 plays an essential role in the production of cellular energy. Without this energy, your cells cannot function.
CoQ10 is found in high concentrations in tissues and organs that require a lot of energy. The heart requires huge amounts of energy to function which is why CoEnzyme Q10 is such an important compound for proper heart function. The benefits of CoQ10 are crucial to maintaining cardiovascular health.
What is the link between CoQ10 and statins?
CoEnzyme Q10 research has shown that cholesterol lowering drugs, known as statins, can actually decrease the body's supply of CoQ10. These drugs act to inhibit the enzymes that are involved in cholesterol production, which takes place in the liver. However, they also inhibit the production of CoQ10 in the process! So the problem with CoQ10 and statins is that while these drugs - Lipitor, Pravachol, etc. can help decrease cholesterol in the body, they are also depleting the important CoQ10 that your body needs.
This is why if you must take a statin (and there are natural alternatives), you should probably supplement CoQ10 to ensure that your heart has enough of this important compound. The statin CoQ10 dilemma has been the topic of much recent debate.