HDL -- The "Good Cholesterol"
The high density lipoprotein (
HDL) level refers to the "good"
cholesterol. HDLs carry cholesterol in the blood from other parts of the body back to the liver, which leads to its removal from the body. So HDL helps keep cholesterol from building up in the walls of the arteries. If your HDL level is below 40 mg/dL, you are at substantially higher risk for
heart disease. The higher your level of HDL, the better your heart health.
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HDL Cholesterol Level
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HDL Cholesterol Category
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Less than 40 mg/dL
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40–59 mg/dL
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The higher, the better
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60 mg/dL and above
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Considered protective against heart disease
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The average HDL level for men is about 45 mg/dL; for women, it is about 55 mg/dL.
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