HDL-Cholesterol
HDL-Cholesterol
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Description
The abbreviation HDL stands for “high-density lipoprotein,” a class of lipoproteins that carries cholesterol in the bloodstream. HDL is mainly composed of protein with a small amount of cholesterol. It is considered beneficial because it removes excess cholesterol from tissues and transports it to the liver for breakdown and elimination. For this reason, HDL cholesterol is often referred to as the “good” cholesterol.
High cholesterol levels have been linked to the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease. When cholesterol levels in the blood are too high (indicating insufficient removal by HDL), cholesterol can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels. These deposits, known as plaques, can build up, stiffening the vessel walls and eventually narrowing the blood vessels, which restricts blood flow.
Higher levels of HDL in the blood can help reduce the risk of plaque formation by removing cholesterol from the bloodstream, thereby lowering the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
High Levels
Elevated HDL levels are associated with less hippocampal atrophy in older adults (1). High HDL levels are generally linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. This can be due to genetic factors, estrogen influence, or high levels of physical activity. Moderate alcohol consumption is also known to increase HDL cholesterol.
Low Levels
Low HDL levels may be due to inflammatory processes, especially in cases of viral hepatitis. It can also be linked to genetic disorders such as Tangier disease or LCAT deficiency. Recommended HDL cholesterol levels are greater than 1.0 mmol/L for men and greater than 1.3 mmol/L for women (IS-1550, 2009).
