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.
