HDL -- or high-density lipoprotein -- is the "good" cholesterol circulating through your body. As part of a total cholesterol profile, you want your HDL number to be as high as possible because it helps prevent LDL -- or low-density lipoprotein, the bad cholesterol -- from building up in your arteries, the American Heart Association reports.
Healthy HDL Levels
With HDL levels, the higher the better, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute advises. HDL levels equal or greater to 60 mg/dL can help lower your risk for heart disease, while HDL levels lower than 40 mg/dL can increase your risk for heart conditions.
Total Cholesterol Level
Your HDL level serves as just one part of your total cholesterol level. LDL levels figure significantly in the total, because high LDL levels increase your risk for heart disease. In general, total cholesterol levels should not exceed 200 mg/dL. Levels between 200 mg/dL and 239 mg/dL are considered borderline high, while levels in excess of 240 mg/dL are diagnosed as high cholesterol, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports. Triglycerides also get included as part of your cholesterol level, although they are reported as a separate total. A high triglyceride reading is one in excess of 200 mg/dL.
Cholesterol Tests
You can find out your HDL level and your total cholesterol level through a simple blood test. The test requires that you fast for between nine and 12 hours, and then a small amount of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm or hand. In general, medical organizations recommend that men have their first cholesterol screening between the ages of 20 and 35 and women get theirs between the ages of 20 and 45, MedlinePlus reports. Subsequent tests should be done at least every five years.
Raising HDL Levels
If your HDL levels come back lower than you would like, you can take steps to increase it, which can help lower your risk of heart disease. Some people benefit from exercising regularly because it can help boost HDL levels, the American Heart Association reports. Dietary changes can also help. In particular, eating healthier fats such as omega-3s and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can be beneficial. Limit saturated fats to no more than 7 percent of your daily caloric intake and try to use more olive oil and canola oil. You should also incorporate heart-healthy nuts and fish into your diet, the Mayo Clinic advises.
