High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is also referred to as the "good" cholesterol because of its role in protecting against heart disease. HDL is made of fat and protein and transports cholesterol and other substances to your liver. A high level of HDL reduces your risk for developing heart disease. Healthy lifestyle habits may help improve your HDL level.
Role in Heart Health
In an article published in the February 2005 edition of "Circulation," Dr. Peter Toth reports that HDL drives an important process called reverse cholesterol transport. HDL scavenges excess cholesterol in blood vessel walls and delivers it back to your liver for elimination. This process helps your blood vessels stay clear by preventing potential blockages that develop from excess cholesterol. HDL also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions, which promotes a healthier cardiovascular system.
Role in Immunity
Lesser known than its heart-protective role is HDL's role in immune function. HDL has the ability to bind to toxic substances in your blood and transport them to be eliminated. According to the University of California at Davis Foods for Health Institute, HDL is used as a therapy against a blood-borne infection called sepsis. Ongoing research is aiming to discover what other diseases and conditions can be affected by increased levels of HDL.
Recommendations
An HDL level of 60 mg/dL and above is recommended for protection against heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Quitting smoking, becoming more active and reaching a healthy weight can contribute to improving your HDL level. Quitting smoking can increase your HDL by 10 percent and for every 6 lb. of weight you lose if you are overweight, your HDL may increase by 1 mg/dL, reports MayoClinic.com. You can also increase your HDL by approximately 5 percent after two months of aerobic exercise training consisting of at least 30 minutes on five days each week.
Considerations
Lifestyle changes can improve your HDL, but in some cases, your doctor may also recommend medication. Because abnormal cholesterol levels have no signs or symptoms, you should have your cholesterol levels checked every five years. Your HDL level is typically checked along with your total cholesterol, triglycerides and your LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Based on your cholesterol test results, your doctor can make specific recommendations for you to improve your HDL cholesterol level.
References
- MedlinePlus: HDL Test
- "Circulation"; The "Good Cholesterol": High-Density Lipoportein; Peter P. Toth, Ph.D.; February 2005
- University of California at Davis: Foods for Health Institute: HDL Function Project
- American Heart Association; What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean; 2011
- MayoClinic.com; HDL Cholesterol: How to Boost Your 'Good' Cholesterol; 2011
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Cholesterol: What You Can Do; 2010
