High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), often termed “good cholesterol”, is one of the major targets of cardiovascular risk reduction. Constant attempts have been made over the past 3 decades to increase their level in the blood in an attempt to reduce cardiovascular risk. In spite of these efforts, raising HDL-c still remains an enigma. While several methods are known to raise HDL-c, they are not as dramatic as reduction of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). Statins, fibrates, niacin and cholesteryl-ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors are useful in increasing HDL-c. However, it was recently demonstrated that raising HDL-c using these pharmacological means did not have any significant effect on reducing clinical cardiovascular events. The 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines on managing blood cholesterol did not give much importance to HDL-c management too. An important question is the method with which HDL-c is tested. Is HDL-cholesterol more important or HDL lipoprotein particle number? Are HDL-based therapies dead? Are there newer ongoing techniques that raise HDL cholesterol as well as reduce cardiovascular risk? Shashikiran Umakanth presented this at the Egyptian Association of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Atherosclerosis (EAEDA) 2014 conference at Alexandria, Egypt. This conference was help in association with Endocrine Society, USA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).