Does niacian affect cholesterol?

IM, Card discussion: Thanks for your question. I referred it to the appropriate specialties and to some physicians in your area.

Yes: Niacin lowers cholesterol - especially triglycerides and it prescribed for exactly that condition. Main side effect is facial flushing and Aspirin is usually recommended to take with Niacin to minimize this side effect.

Yes, but...: Niacin lowers triglycerides and mildly raises HDL (good) cholesterol and, theoretically, that should lower the risk of heart disease. However, the recent nih sponsored aim high study showed no improved outcomes when extended release Niacin was added to a statin drug. See: http://www.Aimhigh-heart.Com/ diet is good, but statins are the mainstay of therapy and nothing has been shown to be better.

Multiple benefits: Niacin appears to work better than any drug in raising HDL ("good cholesterol") 15-35%, while lowering LDL 15-25% and lowering triglycerides 20-50%, again better than any drug. Even better, it preferentially lowers levels of the more dangerous small LDL particles. A recent study suggests it may not provide help to those on statins, but it may be a good alternative to statins. See my comment:.