|
|
|
Good Cholesterol - HDL-cholesterol (High-Density-Lipoprotein)
HDL-cholesterol (High-Density-Lipoprotein) is another type of fat found in the blood. Because HDL helps to remove other harmful types of cholesterol before they can damage your arteries and heart, it is known as "good" cholesterol. Since HDL helps to protect the heart, the more you have, the better.
If your HDL levels are too low you may be at higher risk for heart disease. The chart below outlines national guidelines for HDL levels.
| HDL Cholesterol Levels |
Risk Classification |
| Less than 1.0 mmol/l (40 mg/dL) |
High risk |
| 1.6 mmol/l (60 mg/dL) and above |
Most Desirable level |
Some factors that may cause low HDL-C
- Overweight/obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Cigarette smoking
- Type 2 diabetes
|
|
