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