Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is found in all cell membranes and is also used to make steroid hormones. Many people know that too much cholesterol can lead to heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Not all forms of cholesterol are bad, however. In fact, one form, known as HDL or high-density lipoprotein, can actually protect you from heart disease.
Atherosclerosis
To understand the role of HDL cholesterol, you need to understand the link between cholesterol and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol gets into the walls of the arteries, where it forms stiff bulges known as atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques make the arteries stiff, which raises blood pressure, and make it so there is less space for blood to flow. Over time, these plaques can partially or completely obstruct the affected arteries, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Lipoproteins
Lipoproteins are complexes that are synthesized in the liver. They are made of cholesterol, triglycerides and proteins. Low-density lipoproteins or LDL molecules are also known as the "bad" cholesterol because they transport cholesterol from the liver to other tissues; high levels of LDL are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. HDL or high-density lipoprotein molecules scavenge excess cholesterol, which means that they can pull cholesterol out of the blood and transport it back to the liver, where it can be used to make bile acids instead of contributing to atherosclerosis. As a result, increased levels of HDL can protect against atherosclerosis, the American Heart Association explains.
HDL Test
HDL cholesterol can be measured in the blood and is usually described in terms of mg of HDL cholesterol per dL of blood, LabTestsOnline explains. Men typically have HDL levels between 40 and 49, whereas women have levels between 50 and 59. Your ideal HDL concentration is anything above 60 mg per dL. Lower levels, particularly those below 40, can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Lifestyle Changes
If you have a low HDL level, there are a number of lifestyle changes you can make. If you smoke, quitting smoking can increase the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood by up to 10 percent, MayoClinic.com reports. Losing excess body weight and increasing the amount of exercise you get can also positively affect your HDL level. Replacing saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats will also raise your HDL concentration, as will consuming alcohol in moderation.
Medications
Although lifestyle changes can increase HDL cholesterol measurements, people who still have low HDL after making the necessary changes to their lives can also take medications to boost their HDL levels. Niacin is one of the most effective HDL-raising medications, and is available both with a prescription and over-the-counter. Two other medications, statins and fibrates, also may benefit your HDL concentration.
