Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol isn’t always bad. In fact, our body needs some amount of cholesterol to function properly. Not only does it help in building cell membranes, but it also helps produce hormones and aids in digestion. However, high levels of cholesterol could indicate health problems like atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).
If you’ve recently had a cholesterol test, your report likely includes several key markers—such as triglycerides, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. You’ll also see reference ranges that help indicate whether your levels fall within a healthy range. In this article, we focus specifically on HDL cholesterol and what it means if your report shows a high level of it.
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What Is HDL Cholesterol?
It is important to understand that there are two main types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL cholesterol.
While high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, HDL cholesterol is praised for its heart-health benefits.
Dr Prateek Chaudhary, Senior Consultant and Interventional Cardiologist, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, explains, “This is because it plays a protective role in maintaining heart health. One of HDL’s main functions is to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.”
Cholesterol can build up in the walls of arteries, forming plaques that narrow or block blood flow. Over time, this can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes.
According to the doctor, HDL helps by picking up cholesterol from the arteries and transporting it back to the liver. The liver then processes and removes this cholesterol from the body. HDL also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which means it helps protect artery walls from damage and reduces the chances of developing heart disease.
Is Higher HDL Always Better, Or Can It Be Harmful?
In general, higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Dr Chaudhary says, “For a long time, doctors believed that the higher your HDL cholesterol, the better. In most cases, that still holds true: people with low HDL levels tend to be at greater risk of heart disease. However, more recent research suggests that very high HDL levels, especially those above 90-100 mg/dL, might not always be helpful and could sometimes be linked to other health concerns.”
“In some rare cases, extremely high HDL levels may be connected with increased inflammation or specific genetic conditions,” he adds, sharing that these situations are not common, but they show that HDL is more complex than simply “good” or “bad”.
What matters most is having a balanced overall cholesterol profile. For the average person, moderately high HDL levels are beneficial. However, if levels are unusually high, it’s a good idea to discuss them with a doctor and investigate further if needed.
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Role Of Lifestyle Changes
Making healthy lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to improve HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Physical activity, especially aerobic exercises like brisk walking, cycling, jogging, or swimming, has been shown to raise HDL levels over time. Even regular moderate exercise for about 30 minutes most days of the week can make a difference.
Additionally, eating healthy fats like those found in olive oil, avocados, fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), nuts, and seeds can help raise HDL. At the same time, it’s important to cut down on unhealthy fats, like trans fats and highly processed foods, which can lower HDL and raise LDL.
Other key lifestyle changes include quitting smoking, which can significantly improve HDL levels and overall heart health. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, as being overweight or obese is often linked to lower HDL levels. Moreover, drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all can help keep HDL levels in a healthy range, as excessive drinking can lead to other heart and liver problems.
What Test Measures Cholesterol Levels?
For those considering getting tested for cholesterol, the most common test is a blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile. This test not only shows your HDL level but also gives information about your total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.
To get accurate results, doctors usually recommend fasting for 9-12 hours before taking the test, meaning you shouldn’t eat or drink anything (except water) during that time. This helps give a clear picture of your cholesterol levels and allows for better assessment of your heart disease risk.
Conclusion
While high HDL cholesterol is typically seen as beneficial for heart health, excessively elevated levels may signal underlying issues and warrant medical attention. Maintaining a balanced lipid profile is key to supporting overall health and preventing potential complications.