What causes low HDL?
There are many reasons why some people have low HDL and others have high HDL. Genes certainly play a role by determining how much HDL your body makes and the proportion of different subtypes. Lifestyle choices also affect HDL levels. Smoking, carrying too many pounds, and lack of physical activity tend to lower HDL. So does a diet high in refined carbohydrates (white bread, sugars, etc.). Medications such as beta blockers, anabolic steroids, progestins, and benzodiazepines can also depress HDL.
