My HDL has always been under par, around 20-30 but as low as 3 & 6 at times. And this was when I was clean and ran alot in the military. My LDL has always been really good. I have taken fish oils and niacin. I have never taken statins like lipitor b/c honesly I don't believe in the cholesterol hype. I eat really healthy and exercise and have no family history of heart problems just CANCER! To answer your question I was taking 1500mgs of Slo niacin and believe me it sucked waking up at night on fire! The niaspan did the same thing to me even eight hours after taking it. I would suggest taking 1000mgs. I have never taken Red Yeast rice supplement either but I would like too.