There is a relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and population groups, foods, alcohol, exercise, and drugs.
a. Population Groups
The Japanese and Inuit men and the black population in England, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United States appear to have higher HDL cholesterol levels than whites. The exact reason for this finding is unknown. It may be due to a combination of genetic or environmental factors and diet. In Finland HDL cholesterol blood levels are among the highest in the world, but it is not cardiopro-tective. Thus there are discrepancies that must be resolved by intensive investigative research.
b. Foods and Beverages
A low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet modified to be acceptable to patients may cause a small fall in HDL cholesterol levels. A very low-saturated-fat diet causes a significant reduction in HDL cholesterol. A high-carbohydrate diet produces a mild fall in HDL cho¬lesterol. A vegetarian diet may cause a slight decrease in HDL and this may be due to an increased carbohydrate intake.
A diet rich in the saturated fats increases HDL levels. The intake of saturated fats is very high in Finland where levels of HDL cholesterol are believed to be the highest in the world. This fact is stressed because despite the high blood HDL cholesterol, the highest cardiovascular disease rates in Europe exists in Finland (greater than 800 deaths per 100,000 for men and 500 deaths per 100,000 for women). Northern Ireland and Scotland hold the second and third spots. The United States and the UK have slightly lower rates. The rates per 100,000 men (and women) in France, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Ukraine, and Slovenia are approximately 330, (120), 400, (180), 600 (305), 1340 (657), 1490 (830), and 700 (310), respectively.

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