GOOD CHOLESTEROL OR HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (HDL)

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is termed as “good cholesterol” because it removes harmful bad cholesterol from where it doesn’t belong as it cruises the bloodstream. High HDL levels reduce the risk for heart disease — but low levels increase the risk.

The HDL cholesterol particle is dense compared to other types of cholesterol particles, so it’s called high-density. As a matter of fact, cholesterol is an essential fat that provides stability in every cell of your body.

Experts believe HDL cholesterol may act in a variety of helpful ways that tend to reduce the risk for heart disease:

• HDL cholesterol scavenges and removes LDL — or “bad” — cholesterol.
• HDL reduces, reuses, and recycles LDL cholesterol by transporting it to the liver where it can be reprocessed.
• HDL cholesterol acts as a maintenance crew for the inner walls (endothelium) of blood vessels. Damage to the inner walls is the first step in the process of atherosclerosis, which causes heart attacks and strokes. HDL scrubs the wall clean and keeps it healthy

What Can I Do if my HDL Cholesterol Level Is Low?

You can take several steps to boost your HDL level and reduce your heart disease risk:

• Exercise . Aerobic exercise for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week can help pump up HDL.
• Quit smoking . Tobacco smoke lowers HDL, and quitting can increase HDL levels.
• Keep a healthy weight. Besides improving HDL levels, avoiding obesity reduces risk for heart disease and multiple other health conditions.
• Medications – in certain cases, your doctor may recommend medication to improve your cholesterol level

There are so many that factors contribute to heart disease. People with normal HDL cholesterol can have heart disease and people with low HDL levels can have healthy hearts. Experts recommend follow-up cholesterol testing every five years for most people. People with abnormal lipid panels, or who have other risk factors, may need more frequent cholesterol tests.