HDL Cholesterol - The "Good" Cholesterol

What is HDL?

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Why It Matters

HDL acts like a cleanup crew in your bloodstream:

• Removes excess cholesterol: Picks up cholesterol from arteries and tissues
• Transports to liver: Carries it to your liver for disposal
• Protects arteries: Helps prevent plaque buildup in arterial walls
• Anti-inflammatory: Has protective effects beyond just cholesterol transport

Optimal Ranges

• Men: 40 mg/dL or higher (optimal: 60+ mg/dL)
• Women: 50 mg/dL or higher (optimal: 60+ mg/dL)
• Risk reduction: Every 1 mg/dL increase in HDL reduces heart disease risk by 2-3%

How to Improve HDL

Lifestyle Changes

1. Exercise regularly: 30 minutes of moderate activity most days
2. Quit smoking: Smoking lowers HDL by 10-15%
3. Lose weight: Every 6 pounds lost can raise HDL by 1 mg/dL
4. Choose healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados, nuts
5. Limit refined carbs: Reduce sugar and processed foods
6. Moderate alcohol: May raise HDL but has other risks (consult doctor)

Foods That Help

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds)
• Olive oil and avocados
• Whole grains
• Purple and red fruits (berries, grapes)

When to Be Concerned

• Low HDL (<40 mg/dL men, <50 mg/dL women): Increased cardiovascular risk
• Very high HDL (>100 mg/dL): Rarely, can indicate genetic conditions
• Ratio matters: Total cholesterol to HDL ratio should be below 5:1

AI Analysis Tips

When analyzing lab reports, our AI considers:

• HDL in context with total cholesterol and LDL
• Trends over time, not just single values
• Individual risk factors and family history
• Lifestyle factors that may affect results

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice.