HDL stands for high density lipoproteins. It is informally called the good cholesterol. Presence of this substance in levels higher than 60mg/dL is found to reduce the risk of heart diseases. This article cover the basics of the query what is HDL cholesterol.
What is HDL Cholesterol?
Heart is an organ which passes oxygen rich blood to all the cells of the body. It also receives used up blood from different parts of the body for purification. In this way, blood flows to and fro from the heart through its pathways known as arteries and veins.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in blood. When within its pre-defined limits, it performs some essential tasks of the body. There are three types of this substance. They are HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Irrespective of the types, cholesterol requires carriers called lipoproteins to travel in the blood stream. It is because the major component of blood is water and cholesterol is slightly insoluble in it.
Why HDL is called as the Good Cholesterol?
As the name suggests, HDL cholesterol is known to be highly dense with protein. This molecule nourishes all cell types of the body. Some cell debris called plaques block the pathways of heart because of the rise in another cholesterol form, the LDL (or the bad cholesterol).
In such state, the HDL removes the plaques and transports the LDL cholesterol to the liver, where it is produced. Depending upon the requirement of the body, the liver either stores this LDL for re-utilization or ensures that it is excreted out of the body.
What are the Recommended Levels of HDL Cholesterol?
According to the American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health and the National Cholesterol Education Program, the following are the ranges and their meaning of HDL cholesterol levels:
| S.No. | HDL Levels in mg/dL | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | |
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| 2. | |
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| 3. | |
Facts about HDL Cholesterol:
- It constitutes 30 percent of total cholesterol in the blood.
- Low HDL level in late middle age is found to be related to memory loss.
- Men are found to possess low HDL levels than women, which is responsible for the higher rate of heart diseases in them.
- Physical exercises, quitting smoking, losing weight, moderate intake of alcohol are some of the good practices to ensure that HDL levels remain intact in spite of ageing.
- As the health care professional recommend, cholesterol level is to be tested for every five years once an individual is above 20 years.
