Causes of Low HDL Cholesterol

Overview

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are lipids in the blood that pick up cholesterol and carry it away from plaque lining the arteries. This lends them the term "good" cholesterol. High HDL levels (>60 mg/dL) can protect against heart disease.

Smoking

The American Heart Association cautions that smoking cigarettes can result in a low HDL level. The American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) advises quitting smoking to help raise HDL.

Being Overweight

Being overweight is another risk factor for a low HDL level, according to the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health. The Weight-control Information Network names low HDL level as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke and stresses that a 5 to 10 percednt reduction in body weight can help reverse this.

Inactivity

Both the American Heart Association and the AACC list a sedentary lifestyle as a factor influencing a low HDL level. Increasing activity and exercise can help increase good cholesterol numbers.

Male Gender

Men typically have a higher HDL level than women. The American Heart Association reports a reference value of between 40 to 50 mg/dL for men and 50 to 60 mg/dL for women. A level higher than 60 mg/dL offers protection against heart disease.

Medication

The National Institutes of Health reports that some drugs such as anabolic steroids, antipsychotics or beta-blockers may have an undesirable lowering effect on HDL level.