HDL cholesterol, or “good cholesterol,” cleanses the blood of excess cholesterol and removes it into the liver for elimination. LDL cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol,” can build up in arteries and lead to cardiovascular disease. Normal HDL levels are 40-60 mg/dL, and can be raised through exercise, healthy fats, and avoiding trans fats and smoking. Regular cholesterol checks can help identify potential health risks.
HDL cholesterol is a type of lipid found in the body. It performs a number of important functions, including cleansing the blood of excess cholesterol and removing the excess into the liver, where it is broken down so the body can eliminate it. This type of cholesterol is sometimes referred to as “good cholesterol,” because it has positive health benefits. Many doctors recommend keeping HDL cholesterol levels high so that their patients can enjoy better health.
Cholesterol gets a bad rap in the news, but it’s a vitally important lipid. Among other things, cholesterol helps regulate hormone production and participates in the construction of new cells. There are several types of cholesterol in the body, each of which act slightly differently, but the two types of most concern are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as cholesterol. LDL and HDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol, also called “bad cholesterol,” has a tendency to build up along the walls of your arteries. This causes constriction, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. HDL cholesterol is able to remove some of this plaque as well as the free-floating cholesterol in the blood, which is why it is considered a good cholesterol, because it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blood cholesterol levels can be checked with a blood test that checks serum cholesterol. The test can determine the overall level of cholesterol in the blood and can be used to distinguish between different types of cholesterol to obtain more accurate information about a patient’s health. Normal levels of HDL cholesterol are around 40 to 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and doctors often recommend that patients aim for levels above 60 mg/dL for better health. Women tend to benefit from slightly higher levels than men.
There are several ways to raise HDL cholesterol. Aerobic exercise appears to increase blood levels of this lipid, as does consumption of monounsaturated fats such as those found in nuts, olive oil, seeds and avocados. Avoiding trans fatty acids and smoking can also raise HDL levels, as can increasing your fiber intake, drinking cranberry juice and eating more fish. In patients with extremely low levels, a doctor may also recommend the use of certain medications designed to raise HDL levels. Having your cholesterol levels checked periodically is a good idea, as it can alert doctors and patients to warning signs of a developing problem or a potential increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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