Which class of medications is primarily used to increase HDL cholesterol levels?

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is primarily utilized to increase HDL cholesterol levels, which is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. Unlike other lipid-lowering agents that primarily target LDL cholesterol or triglycerides, niacin has a unique effect on lipid profiles by effectively raising HDL levels. This action promotes the reverse transport of cholesterol, where cholesterol is taken from peripheral tissues and transported back to the liver, potentially leading to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Niacin works through multiple mechanisms, including inhibiting the hepatic synthesis of apolipoprotein B, which decreases the production of LDL, but its most notable pharmacological effect is its tendency to significantly elevate HDL cholesterol. In clinical practice, this property makes niacin particularly valuable for patients with low HDL levels or those at high risk of cardiovascular issues due to low HDL levels.

Other classes of medications, while useful in managing lipid profiles, do not specifically serve the primary function of raising HDL cholesterol as effectively as niacin does.