What Would Cause a Low Result of HDL in a Blood Screening?
Unhealthy, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are never a good thing to find in a laboratory blood screening. Low HDL levels are more likely to be found as a result of certain lifestyle activities or as a result of illness.IdentificationHigh-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered to be the “good” form of cholesterol, as it is responsible for helping to remove “bad” cholesterol from the system.SignificanceHigh levels of HDL indicate good cardiovascular health. “Most people should aim for an HDL level of 60 [milligrams per deciliter of blood] mg/dL or above,” says the Mayo Clinic. “An HDL level below 40 mg/dL increases the risk of heart disease.”CausesLow amounts of HDL in a blood screening typically result from a lack of exercise or too much smoking. “Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol levels and increases the tendency for blood to clot,” according to the American Heart Association. Meanwhile, regular physical activity encourages the production of HDL.ScreeningsBlood
