HDL Paradox

Have you heard of HDL-c?

Here is the dilemma of HDL-c—the so-called HDL Paradox:

Why raising “good” cholesterol doesn’t necessarily save your heart.

For decades, HDL-c was sold as the artery’s clean-up crew.

Then modern trials and genetics complicated the story.

Very low HDL-C, particularly in some genetic disorders, is associated with premature atherosclerosis.

But drugs that dramatically raise HDL-C (niacin, most CETP inhibitors, and apoA-I–based therapies) have not consistently reduced cardiovascular events.

The lesson: HDL-C is a marker, but not a proven therapeutic target.

We still don’t have a therapy that reliably improves HDL function and reduces cardiovascular events.

So for now in 2026:

Focus on what we know works:

🥗 Eat a healthy diet

🏃 Exercise regularly

⚖️ Maintain a healthy weight

❤️ Manage blood pressure and metabolic risk

🧘 Reduce chronic stress

🚭 Don’t smoke

#Cardiology #HeartHealth #Lipidology #PreventiveCardiology