High-density lipoprotein is considered good cholesterol because it has been shown to play a role in preventing cholesterol buildup in the arteries. Also, having high levels of HDL cholesterol lowers your risk of heart disease and heart attack, according the American Heart Association. There are several factors that can cause your level of HDL cholesterol to be low--some of which you can control and some you can't.
Sex
Unfortunately, if you are a man, you are likely to have lower levels of HDL cholesterol. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, men have lower levels of HDL cholesterol than women starting at puberty and continuing on throughout their lives. This is due to the fact that male sex hormones, such as testosterone and androstenedione, lower HDL cholesterol, states the Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati.
Heredity
The Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati states that about one out of every 500 people has an inherited tendency toward low HDL cholesterol. These people often have normal levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides, the hospital states. Specific genetic disorders can also lead to low HDL cholesterol, according to Jewish Hospital. One of these is called Tangier disease, which results from a gene deficiency. Its signs include extremely low HDL--5mg/dl or less--and early onset of coronary artery disease. A genetic deficiency of the protein apoA-I can also lead to low HDL levels, according to Jewish Hospital.
Lack of Exercise
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, exercise can help increase your HDL levels. Conversely, the Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati states that a lack of physical activity can cause your HDL levels to drop. Not only can a lack of exercise have a direct effect on your HDL levels, it can also contribute to other conditions that lower your HDL cholesterol, including being overweight and having diabetes.
Trans Fat
Trans fat is a type of fat created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil. It is mostly used in commercial baked goods such as cakes, cookies and crackers, and fried foods such as doughnuts and French fries. According to MayoClinic.com trans fat is doubly dangerous because it not only lowers HDL cholesterol, it also raises LDL levels, which can greatly increase your risk for heart disease.
Other Causes
Smoking is known to reduce your HDL cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association, and quitting smoking can cause your levels to rise. High levels of triglycerides, which is a type of fat, can also lower your HDL levels. Some drugs, including beta blockers for high blood pressure and steroids, can lead to low HDL, according to the Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati.
References
- American Heart Association: Good vs. Bad Cholesterol.
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What Causes High Blood Cholesterol?
- Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati: Low HDL Cholesterol
- Mayo Clinic: High Cholesterol--Trans Fat is Double Trouble for Your Heart Health
- American Heart Association: What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean
