Cholesterol Levels

HDL Cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is 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 cholesterol level is below 40 mg/dL, you are at substantially higher risk for heart disease. The higher your HDL cholesterol level, the better.
 
HDL Cholesterol Level
HDL Cholesterol Category
Less than 40 mg/dL
A major risk factor for heart disease
40-59 mg/dL
The higher, the better
60 mg/dL and above
Considered protective against heart disease
 
The average level of HDL cholesterol for men is about 45 mg/dL; for women, it is about 55 mg/dL.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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