High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, has been called the "good" cholesterol because it picks up LDL--low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol--in the bloodstream and brings it to the liver where it can be removed from the body, the Mayo Clinic explains. High levels of HDL cholesterol are believed to protect people from heart disease, heart attack and stroke. HDL helps prevent the plaque buildup in the arteries by flushing away LDL cholesterol.
Good Levels
Levels of HDL cholesterol for men are considered to be good, or protective, if they are higher than 40 or 50 milligrams per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL. Good levels for women are those higher than 60 mg/dL. Women normally have higher levels of HDL because female sex hormones help increase it. Anything lower than 40 mg/dL is considered a risk for heart attack or stroke. Men are considered at a greater risk if their levels are below 37 mg/dL, and women have a higher risk if their HDL is below 47 mg/dL, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Bloodstream
Blood tests for HDL measure how much cholesterol is in each HDL particle; they do not measure the amount of HDL in the blood. Cholesterol is necessary in the formation of cell membranes and some sex hormones. It is carried through the bloodstream by lipoproteins. However, too much LDL cholesterol sticks to and clogs the arteries, leading to heart disease. HDL is considered good because it helps move the excess bad cholesterol out of the system.
Testing
Having high levels of HDL cholesterol is good news, as long as you also have low levels of LDL in order to be protected from heart disease. Your doctor can order a blood test to determine your HDL levels. If they are too low, you can help build them up through simple lifestyle changes.
Raise Levels
The Mayo Clinic suggests maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of physical exercise--at least for 30 minutes, five times a week--to help raise HDL levels. Avoid smoking, which can decrease HDL cholesterol and increase the risks of blood clots. Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Vitamin Helps
High doses of niacin have the greatest impact on increasing HDL cholesterol, according to cardiologists at Johns Hopkins. Niacin may raise HDL levels by 20 to 35 percent. The high doses of niacin needed to increase HDL should be used only with the approval and under the supervision of your physician. High doses may cause liver damage, gout and ulcers. Niacin also can raise blood sugar levels and needs to be used with caution by diabetics. Diets low in carbohydrates may increase HDL cholesterol levels by 20 percent, Johns Hopkins reports. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats. Use monounsaturated fats and eat fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines.
