eMedicine Specialties > Endocrinology > Metabolic Disorders

High HDL Cholesterol (Hyperalphalipoproteinemia): Treatment & Medication

Author: Vibhuti N Singh, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, Director, Suncoast Cardiovascular Center; Chair, Cardiology Division and Cath Labs, Department of Medicine, Bayfront Medical Center; Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine
Coauthor(s): Elena Citkowitz, MD, PhD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine; Director, Cholesterol Management Center, Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, Hospital of St Raphael
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Oct 17, 2008

Treatment

Medical Care

Most patients with hyperalphalipoproteinemia (HALP) are incidentally diagnosed following blood testing. Generally, patients are asymptomatic and no medical therapy is required. However, patients with corneal opacity may need an evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

Patients in whom excessive alcohol consumption is a cause of elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels should be assessed for the possible consequences of this practice.

Surgical Care

Surgical care is not usually required.

Consultations

No consultations are usually required.

Diet

Certain forms of dietary therapy, including the consumption of a diet low in fat content, have been shown to influence the levels of alpha lipoproteins and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in plasma. A low-fat diet may cause some reduction in HDL cholesterol levels, while high-fat diets are associated with higher HDL cholesterol levels.

Activity

Most patients with hyperalphalipoproteinemia are healthy and asymptomatic. No restrictions on activity are required.

Medication

Persons with hyperalphalipoproteinemia are generally asymptomatic. The condition is associated with a lower prevalence of atherosclerosis and requires no treatment.

More on High HDL Cholesterol (Hyperalphalipoproteinemia)

Overview: High HDL Cholesterol (Hyperalphalipoproteinemia)
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: High HDL Cholesterol (Hyperalphalipoproteinemia)
Treatment & Medication: High HDL Cholesterol (Hyperalphalipoproteinemia)
Follow-up: High HDL Cholesterol (Hyperalphalipoproteinemia)
References
Further Reading
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References

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  2. Ron D, Aviram M, Brook JG. High density lipoprotein in octogenarians. Biochem Med. Oct 1983;30(2):253-60. [Medline].

  3. Yamashita S, Maruyama T, Hirano K, et al. Molecular mechanisms, lipoprotein abnormalities and atherogenicity of hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis. 2000;152(2):271-85. [Medline].

  4. Miller M. Raising an isolated low HDL-C level: why, how, and when?. Cleve Clin J Med. Jun 2003;70(6):553-60. [Medline].

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  7. Mendoza S, Lutmer RF, Glueck CJ. Composition of HDL-2 and HDL-3 in familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis. Oct 1976;25(1):131-6. [Medline].

  8. Sich D, Saïdi Y, Giral P, et al. Hyperalphalipoproteinemia: characterization of a cardioprotective profile associating increased high-density lipoprotein2 levels and decreased hepatic lipase activity. Metabolism. Aug 1998;47(8):965-73. [Medline].

  9. Arai T, Tsukada T, Murase T, et al. Particle size analysis of high density lipoproteins in patients with genetic cholesteryl ester transfer protein deficiency. Clin Chim Acta. 2000;301(1-2):103-17. [Medline].

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Keywords

High HDL cholesterol, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, hyperalphalipoproteinemia, high-density lipoprotein, HDL, low-density lipoprotein, LDL, hypoalphalipoproteinemia, triglycerides, HALP, elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cholesterol levels, cholesterol level, cholesterol blood, longevity syndrome, familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia, FHALP, hyperlipoproteinemia, hypercholesterolemia, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, CETP, CETP deficiency, high cholesterol, cardioprotection, good cholesterol, heart disease risk, heart disease prevention, CAD prevention, CHD prevention, atherosclerosis prevention, heart disease, CAD, coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Vibhuti N Singh, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, Director, Suncoast Cardiovascular Center; Chair, Cardiology Division and Cath Labs, Department of Medicine, Bayfront Medical Center; Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Cardiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine
Vibhuti N Singh, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, and Florida Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Elena Citkowitz, MD, PhD, FACP, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine; Director, Cholesterol Management Center, Director, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, Hospital of St Raphael
Elena Citkowitz, MD, PhD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, National Lipid Association, and Sigma Xi
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Ghassem Pourmotabbed, MD†, Former Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Tennessee School of Medicine and Health Science Center
Ghassem Pourmotabbed, MD† is a member of the following medical societies: American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, and Endocrine Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Managing Editor

Don S Schalch, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
Don S Schalch, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, Central Society for Clinical Research, and Endocrine Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Mark Cooper, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, Head, Diabetes & Metabolism Division, Baker Heart Research Institute, Professor of Medicine, Monash University
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

George T Griffing, MD, Professor of Medicine, St Louis University School of Medicine
George T Griffing, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Medical Practice Executives, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, American Federation for Medical Research, American Heart Association, Central Society for Clinical Research, Endocrine Society, International Society for Clinical Densitometry, and Southern Society for Clinical Investigation
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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