Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment of patients with low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) constitute a strong risk factor for developing coronary heart disease. This risk can be decreased by even slight improvements in HDL-C levels. This review discusses both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments of patients with low levels of HDL-C, including lifestyle modifications and the benefits of oral estrogens, niacin, fibrates, statins, and combination drug therapy.