HDL levels increased by CPAP therapy?

One of the least understood indicators of apnea may be the presence of low HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Low HDL and hardening of the arteries go together and could be the reason that many people with untreated apnea suffer from heart, artery and lung problems. From personal experience weight loss by itself does not raise the HDL levels when apnea is left untreated. My HDL levels had not been within "normal" ranges (low - 37) and did not rise when I lost 30 pounds and was at normal weight. It was not until I was diagnosed with apnea and began treatment that the HDL levels went up, first to 45 and most recently to 50 even though I regained the weight. I am 65, with normal blood pressure and LDL at 183. I am not on medication for either cholesterol or blood pressure and attribute the rise in the HDL levels totally to CPAP therapy.

This is a very unsophisticated survey attempt to determine how others who use CPAP therapy to treat apnea have done with their cholesterol management. If it appears that HDLs are increased after CPAP therapy is begun, there may be a good reason for more research on the subject. We may also be able to tell doctors to look at apnea as a reason for poor HDL readings. What are your experiences?

After 30 months of being on cpap, my HDL has not risen. I can only wish.

amos

My total Cholesterol has historically been in the 175-190 range. My docs have ragged on me about my HDL being a bit low, saying I needed to exercise and bring it up. I went for my regular physical a few weeks ago. My doc was very please with my cholesterol levels. Total was 155 (!) and my HDL was 80, over half. I still eat the same and don't exercise any more than before. In fact the only major difference in my life is that for the past year and a half I have been 100% compliant with CPAP. I don't know that CPAP is what caused this, but I love it and hope it keeps up (I mean down!)