By removing excess "bad" cholesterol from the blood, HDL (or "good") cholesterol can help keep cholesterol from building up in the walls of the arteries. Therefore, the higher your HDL level (above 60 mg/dL), the better off you are. In most cases, you can increase your HDL level through lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and limiting your alcohol consumption. Also, some medications can help increase this level.
(For more information, click Raising HDL. This article offers a complete overview of ways to increase your HDL level, such as through lifestyle changes or with certain medications. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)
