All your cells contain cholesterol, a waxy material that serves several purposes, including aiding in the development of new cells for your body. We all have heard about bad cholesterol, but it’s uncommon to hear about good cholesterol. So, in this blog, we will discuss HDL cholesterol which is known as good cholesterol in the human body. 

What is HDL Cholesterol?

HDL stands for High-Density Lipoprotein. This “good” cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol because it aids in the removal of other types of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Therefore, a lower risk of heart disease is connected to higher HDL cholesterol levels.

Why is HDL Important?

HDL protects you from blocked arteries that might cause a heart attack or stroke, which eliminates cholesterol from your arteries and transports it to the liver for elimination from the body. 

Low HDL levels have been associated in studies with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease development. It is especially true if your blood also has high levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. High HDL levels may also be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to studies.

It’s crucial to realize that there is no clear link between having a heart attack or stroke and having high HDL levels, which raises the possibility that other factors are at work. Nevertheless, one aspect of one’s health is determined by an HDL test.

Risk Factors with Low HDL Levels

• High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure and high total cholesterol are frequently present simultaneously. High total cholesterol levels are positively connected with high blood pressure. According to research, men of working age in Japan were considerably more likely to develop high blood pressure when their total cholesterol and LDL levels were high.

• Alcohol-unrelated fatty liver disease

The accumulation of fat in your liver is a symptom of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can cause major consequences and liver damage. Research has found connections between its evolution and the following factors:

• Obesity
• The metabolic syndrome
• Elevated cholesterol
• Elevated triglycerides
• Diabetes

• Acute Pancreatitis

A potentially dangerous illness called acute pancreatitis causes abrupt pancreatic inflammation. It can be a potentially life-threatening condition. According to research, higher blood triglyceride levels increases your risk of acute pancreatitis.

How can one reduce cholesterol and triglycerides at home?

You can create a plan to lower your triglyceride and cholesterol levels with the assistance of your doctor. Also, you can add a few modifications to your way of life, such as diet intake, eating soluble fiber, exercising, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking.

Conclusion

The “good” cholesterol, HDL, aids in the removal of artery-clogging cholesterol. Higher levels are thought to improve heart health. For men, normal levels should be at least 40 mg/dL, and for women, 50 mg/dL.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors include high triglycerides, high LDL cholesterol, and low HDL cholesterol. Among the most frequent reasons for elevated triglycerides and cholesterol include weight, heredity, and medications. Your doctor can give you advice on how changing your lifestyle and getting an HDL test may help you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.