Loading Calculator...
Please wait a moment
Please wait a moment
Assess your HDL ("good") cholesterol level and cardiovascular protection
HDL targets differ by sex
HDL is called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries, carrying it back to the liver for disposal.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is called "good" cholesterol because it acts as a scavenger, picking up excess cholesterol from your blood and taking it back to your liver where it's broken down and removed from your body. This process is called reverse cholesterol transport.
Higher HDL levels are associated with lower risk of heart disease. Unlike LDL where lower is better, with HDL, higher is generally better. However, extremely high HDL (>100 mg/dL) may not provide additional protection and could even indicate other health issues.
While higher HDL is generally protective, extremely high HDL (>100 mg/dL) may not provide additional benefit and in some cases may indicate genetic conditions. Very high HDL has been associated with increased risk in some studies.
Estrogen raises HDL levels, so premenopausal women typically have higher HDL than men. After menopause, women's HDL levels often decrease, increasing cardiovascular risk.
Niacin can significantly raise HDL, but studies haven't shown cardiovascular benefit. Fibrates modestly raise HDL. Focus remains on lowering LDL and lifestyle modifications for raising HDL naturally.