HDL Cholesterol — Good vs Bad Explained
Check your HDL level and understand why higher is always better.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Cholesterol Level Checker
What is HDL cholesterol and why is it good?+
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is the "good" cholesterol that transports cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver for elimination. Higher HDL = lower heart disease risk. Each 1 mg/dL increase in HDL reduces cardiovascular risk by 2-3%.
What is a healthy HDL level?+
HDL below 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women) is a major risk factor. 40-59 mg/dL is acceptable. 60 mg/dL or higher is considered protective and desirable.
How to raise HDL cholesterol?+
Most effective HDL raisers: 1) Aerobic exercise — most powerful (+5-10 mg/dL), 2) Quit smoking (+5-10 mg/dL), 3) Moderate alcohol (1 drink/day — small effect), 4) Healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, nuts (+3-5 mg/dL), 5) Weight loss — each 3kg lost ≈ +1 mg/dL HDL.