None. The latest ESC (Euro Society of Cardiology) lipid guidelines directly addressed this. The problem with HDL increases from supplements is that they don't increase production of APO-I. This is the protein that gives HDL its ability to remove cholesterol from arteries and transport it back to the liver. So what's happening is you're producing low or non-functional HDL. At best it's neutral, but giving a deceptive sense of being useful based on the HDL number, At worst, there's evidence non functional HDL becomes inflammatory.
Pitavastatin stimulates the production of APO-I, along with HDL. So Pitavastatin is producing functional HDL. In fact the boost to APO-I is likely improving the function of all your HDL.
The only other way to significantly increase APO-I is exercise.
After LDL, HDL function (efflux capacity), is the greatest factor determining how much regression of plaque is possible.
The reason for the "rush" is that once LDL is low enough that you're no longer depositing it in arteries, there's a limited window for regression before plaque stabilizes, which is good, but means it's no longer able to be removed, which is even better.
You can get it tested with Boston Heart Diagnostics HDL Map test if you're curious, $169.
Knowing how your cholesterol functions can help doctors determine your heart disease risk. A UT Southwestern cardiologist uses a garbage truck analogy to explain “cholesterol efflux.”
utswmed.org
Assess cardiovascular risk and monitor heart function.
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