Why is HDL cholesterol “good”?
One-third to one-fourth of the cholesterol in the blood is carried by high-density lipoprotein or HDL. Today, experts think HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, so it can pass out of the body. Some experts believe HDL even removes excess cholesterol from plaque deposits that have already formed, slowing their growth. A high level of HDL seems to protect against heart attack. The opposite is also true: a low level of good cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dl in men and less than 50 mg/dl in women) indicates a greater risk. Q: What should my total cholesterol be? A: A total cholesterol level of less than 200 is ideal for most people. However, if you have heart disease, it’s best to look at the HDL and LDL levels separately, rather than your total cholesterol level. Q: What should my HDL levels be? A: An HDL level of greater than 40 in men and greater than 50 in women is ideal. Levels higher than 60 are considered protective against heart disease. It’s importan
