HDL Cholesterol: Understanding Your 'Good' Cholesterol & Heart Health

High density lipo-proteins (HDL) cholesterol is often referred to as "good cholesterol." Higher levels of HDL cholesterol promote good cardiovascular health and offer protection from the risks associated with low density lipo-proteins (LDL), or "bad cholesterol."

Function

• HDL cholesterol attaches itself to harmful LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. After HDL attaches to an LDL molecule, it carries the LDL through the bloodstream and to the liver where it is metabolized and eliminated from the body.

Considerations

• HDL makes up about one-quarter to one-third of total blood cholesterol in healthy persons. Those who have higher percentages of HDL versus LDL have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease versus those with lower-than-average HDL levels.

Expert Insight

• The American Heart Association recommends that healthy men and women keep their HDL levels higher than 40 mg/dL of blood. High HDL levels of 60 mg/dL and greater offer the best protection against heart disease.

Identification

• Determining cholesterol levels requires a blood test. This is often performed as part of an annual physical, or patients may request a cholesterol screening if one is not performed.

Fun Fact

• Exercise increases the body's production of HDL cholesterol. To keep HDL levels high, regular routine physical activity is a must.

Warning

• The use of tobacco products and excessive drinking will lower HDL levels. Persons who seek to maintain heart healthy levels of HDL cholesterol should avoid these practices.