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What is HDL?

J. Beam
J. Beam

HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is commonly referred to as the "good cholesterol." Unlike LDL, the low-density lipoproteins that should be at low levels, HDL levels in the body are supposed to be fairly high. HDL helps excess cholesterol return to the liver for excretion through the gastrointestinal system. HDL is known as good cholesterol because it aids in the removal of cholesterol that can block arteries and reduce blood flow.

Good cholesterol levels are obtained with a simple blood test. The blood test is ordered by a physician either as part of a routine physical or for screening purposes. This blood test is called a lipid profile, and it measures both HDL and LDL levels along with total cholesterol. The test provides a doctor with indicators that help evaluate a patient's risk factor for heart disease. Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.

Smoking cessation can raise HDL numbers in people with low levels.
Smoking cessation can raise HDL numbers in people with low levels.

When a lipid profile is ordered, the doctor may require a 12-hour fasting test and may also require certain medications to be temporarily stopped. Cholesterol testing is important, especially in patients who are already at risk for heart disease, such as smokers, diabetics, or people with high blood pressure or weight problems. Each person's target cholesterol level varies slightly, but generally, the good cholesterol levels should be 60 mg/dL or higher and not less than 40 mg/dL to avoid being at risk.

Lipid profiles, conducted through blood testing, measures HDL levels.
Lipid profiles, conducted through blood testing, measures HDL levels.

Unlike LDL levels, which are sometimes targeted by a cholesterol lowering diet, HDL levels are linked more to a person's lifestyle than diet alone. Smoking, obesity, and sedentary activities are directly linked to low blood HDL levels. Weight loss, smoking cessation and exercise will raise HDL levels. However, controlling total cholesterol is a combination of raising the good and lowering the bad — a process that should include both dietary and lifestyle changes. When lifestyle modification and diet alone are not enough, or if a patient refuses to make changes, a doctor may prescribe a medication for raising HDL levels.

Discussion Comments

anon319492

My HLL is 27.7 while my LDL is 85. It is normal.

anon158556

thanks for the information. it was really helpful.

justyna

HDL (High density lipoproteins) and LDL (low density lipoproteins) are the types of cholesterol. we need cholesterol to live, however HDL is good cholesterol and LDL is the bad. LDL is the stuff that builds up in arteries and is linked to cardiovascular diseases. We need to have HDL levels higher than LDL levels for optimal health and body homeostasis. hatty1- you want your HDL levels to be high therefore a low score is undesirable.

hatty1

i just got my report on my blood work up and my cholesterol was OK. my triglycerides and HDL all were OK. then at the bottom it's got HDL risk factor, and it's low. i go back in a month and i'll ask the doctor. but until then i thought i might get someone on here that may know something about blood work.

anon8648

... I don't get it, lol. What does H.D.L raise and what does it lower? Same question for L.D.L, please help! I need it for school...

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    • Smoking cessation can raise HDL numbers in people with low levels.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Smoking cessation can raise HDL numbers in people with low levels.
    • Lipid profiles, conducted through blood testing, measures HDL levels.
      By: Wojciech Sobiech
      Lipid profiles, conducted through blood testing, measures HDL levels.
    • Cholesterol testing is important for people with high blood pressure.
      By: Paul Maguire
      Cholesterol testing is important for people with high blood pressure.
    • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is commonly known as the "good" cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is labeled as the "bad" cholesterol.
      By: Sophia Winters
      High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is commonly known as the "good" cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is labeled as the "bad" cholesterol.
    • Obesity is directly linked to low blood HDL levels.
      By: olly
      Obesity is directly linked to low blood HDL levels.
    • It is preferable to have higher levels of HDL and lower levels of LDL.
      By: rob3000
      It is preferable to have higher levels of HDL and lower levels of LDL.