Understand your values of HDL Cholesterol (mg/dl)

What is HDL Cholesterol and Its Measure Units?

HDL Cholesterol, often referred to as "good cholesterol," stands for High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol. It is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the blood. Understanding your HDL cholesterol levels is crucial as they play a vital role in maintaining your heart health. When you get a lipid panel test, HDL cholesterol is one of the key components analyzed to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Which is its Function in Our Bodies?

The primary function of HDL cholesterol is to help remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed from the body. This "clean-up" function is why HDL is considered "good" cholesterol. By reducing cholesterol levels and taking it out of your arteries, HDL cholesterol helps reduce your risk of heart disease and potentially even stroke.

What Happens if We Have Values Out of Normal?

Having HDL cholesterol levels that are too low or too high can impact your health. Low levels of HDL cholesterol (below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women) may increase your risk for heart disease, as there might not be enough "good cholesterol" to clear away the bad cholesterol from your arteries. On the other hand, very high HDL cholesterol levels (over 90 mg/dL) might indicate underlying health issues, although research is still exploring this area.
If your HDL cholesterol levels are outside the normal range, it might be advisable to speak to a healthcare provider. They could recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to help manage and improve your HDL cholesterol levels.

Which are its Optimum Values and What Should We Do to Improve Our Values of HDL Cholesterol?

The optimum values for HDL cholesterol are 60 mg/dL and above. Higher HDL levels are generally associated with a lower risk of heart disease. To improve or maintain your HDL cholesterol levels, consider the following lifestyle changes:

• Exercise regularly: Engaging in physical activity such as walking, running, or cycling can help raise HDL levels.
• Eat a healthy diet: Incorporate more healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, nuts, and fish, and reduce the intake of trans fats.
• Quit smoking: Smoking cessation can improve HDL cholesterol levels significantly.
• Moderate alcohol consumption: Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake may increase HDL levels, but it is important to discuss this with your doctor.

With these lifestyle changes, you can increase or maintain your HDL cholesterol levels, promoting better heart health.

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