What is HDL cholesterol?

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is often referred to as “good” cholesterol. This is because it absorbs other types of cholesterol and carries them away from your arteries and back to your liver, which eliminates it from your body.

LDL (low-density cholesterol) is referred to as the ”bad“ cholesterol because it can build up on the walls of blood vessels, narrowing the passageways. If a blood clot forms and gets stuck in the narrowed passageway, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

HDL is considered the “good” cholesterol because it helps get other types of cholesterol out of your body.

LDL is labeled the “bad” cholesterol because it can build up on your arterial wall and restrict blood flow. This build-up of cholesterol, along with plaque (inflammatory deposits), can result in atherosclerosis, also known as hardening or narrowing of the arteries. Atherosclerosis increases your risk for stroke, heart attack, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

What are the optimal levels of HDL cholesterol?

Cholesterol is measured through a blood test called a lipid panel. A lipid panel shows:

• Your total cholesterol

• LDL levels

• HDL levels

• VLDL levels and triglycerides

How can you boost your HDL cholesterol levels?

There are lifestyle changes you can make to increase your levels of HDL cholesterol, including:

• Physical activity. The American Heart Association (AHA) Trusted Source recommends a weekly minimum of 40 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise 3 to 4 times weekly.

• Diet. Avoid trans fats (certain baked goods, fried foods, some margarines) and limit saturated fats (full-fat dairy, meats).

• Smoking. Try to stop smoking (tobacco products are known to lower HDL levels and increase LDL levels and triglycerides).

• Drinking. Avoid or limit alcoholic beverages (up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger).

HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because takes the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) out of your arteries to reduce the chances of stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Talk with a doctor about how often you should have your cholesterol level tested. Your doctor can also provide recommendations on boosting your HDL levels, with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.