HDL is “Good” Cholesterol
What is Good Cholesterol?
HDL or “high density lipoprotein” cholesterol is what is known as “good” cholesterol. Remember, a low level of HDL blood cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease.
How can something so bad like cholesterol for you be good?
There are 3 very good reasons!
- This good cholesterol helps keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries. Between 25% and 35% of all blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.
- High levels of HDL seemingly protect against heart attack, whereas low levels of HDL – less than 40 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter of blood) – increase your risk of heart disease.
- Generally, the higher your levels of HDL cholesterol are, the lower risk you have for heart disease.
| HDL “Good” Blood Cholesterol Levels | What These Levels Mean For You |
| Below 40 mg/dL | Bad – High Risk for Heart Disease |
| 40 – 59 mg/dL | Lower Risk for Heart Disease |
| 60 mg/dL and above | Excellent – this should be your goal |
