This “good” cholesterol helps carry “bad” cholesterol out of the body.
HDL is often referred to as the “good” cholesterol. HDL carries cholesterol away from the blood vessels to the liver, where the body can eliminate it.
Unlike high LDL, a high HDL level (60 mg/dL or above) is considered good. For example, if your HDL is above 60 mg/dL, and you have identified 2 risk factors (let’s say smoking and high blood pressure), you have effectively subtracted one risk factor because of your high HDL level.
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National Cholesterol Education Program Guidelines
|
 |
| |
Men |
Women |
| Desirable HDL |
Greater than
40 mg/dL |
Greater than
40 mg/dL |
| Less Than Optimal HDL |
Less than
40 mg/dL |
Less than
40 mg/dL |
|
|
American Heart Association Guidelines
|
|
| |
Men |
Women |
| Desirable HDL |
Greater than
40 mg/dL |
Greater than
50 mg/dL |
| Less Than Optimal HDL |
Less than
40 mg/dL |
Less than
50 mg/dL |
|
Remember, the higher the number the better.
Some factors that might cause low HDL:
- Overweight/obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Cigarette smoking
- Type 2 diabetes
This is an example of how your HDL value might be shown on your lab report.
Want to know more? Click to find out more about LDL and/or TG.
TriCor can help lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL (good cholesterol), and lower LDL (bad cholesterol) depending on a person's specific cholesterol condition.
For more information on TriCor, click here.
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