High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is one of two types of protein particles that combine with fat and transport it through the bloodstream. It carries cholesterol, along with triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, to the liver where it is deconstructed into bile and eliminated from the body. It is often referred to as good cholesterol as it performs an important function in removing bad cholesterol from the body.
Low levels of high density lipoprotein increase a person's risk of stroke and heart disease. There are no symptoms or indicators of low levels of high density lipoprotein. For this reason, it is typically tested during regular check-ups in a lipid profile blood test, or a test for total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein. Health care professionals will also test for high density lipoprotein where a patient has a history of heart disease in the family, high blood pressure, diabetes, or is a smoker. The ideal level of high density lipoprotein in men is above 40mg/dL and in women it is above 50mg/dL. Exercise, quitting smoking, and dietary changes can improve high density lipoprotein levels.
Synonyms
good cholesterol
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