An altered diet is the most common way to reduce LDL and raise HDL. Remember that the goal for optimal health is to have a high HDL and low LDL. If you are overweight, losing weight can lower LDL, raise HDL and reduce the risk of medical complications such as heart disease. Waist size is often used in calculating the risk of heart disease. Ideally, a woman?s waist should not exceed 35 inches and a man?s should not exceed 40 inches.
