HDL Good Cholesterol

High density lipoprotein (HDL – good cholesterol) is a type of lipoprotein that brings back cholesterol from the cells to the liver.

Like LDL lipoprotein, HDL too helps to carry the fats and cholesterol within the water based blood stream. In cholesterol blood test, a high level of HDL cholesterol can indicate medical benefits like reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease; thus called as good cholesterol.

Medical consideration for HDL good cholesterol

HDL can remove cholesterol from atheroma within arteries and bring it back to the liver for removal by excretion or re-utilization. That why HDL bound cholesterol is frequently called as good cholesterol. A higher level of HDL means a protection against cardiovascular diseases, and low level of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) increases the chances for heart disease.

HDL brings back cholesterol mostly to the liver or steroidogenic organs such as adrenals, ovary and testes for the synthesis of steroid hormones.

HDL cholesterol ranges in blood test

• Less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women or 1.03 mmol/L    Low HDL cholesterol, highest risk for heart disease.
• 40–59 mg/dL or 1.03–1.55 mmol/L    Medium HDL level.
• Greater than 60 mg/dL or 1.55 mmol/L  High HDL level, optimal or required condition considered to be protective against heart diseases.

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