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High-density lipoprotein cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol-role in the body

HDL (‘good cholesterol’) – these are lipoproteins that remove excess cholesterol from blood vessels and tissues, transporting it to the liver for processing and elimination.

Main functions of HDL:

  1. Anti-atherosclerotic effect -cleanses blood vessels from excess cholesterol.
  2. Anti-inflammatory effect -reduces inflammation in the vascular wall.
  3. Antioxidant protection -prevents the oxidation of LDL (which accelerates atherosclerosis).
  4. Immune support -participates in the fight against infections.

HDL norm in the blood test

CategoryNormal HDL (mmol/L)Normal HDL (mg/dL)
Men> 1.0> 40
Women> 1.2> 46
Ideal Level (reduces atherosclerosis risk)> 1.6 (men), > 1.8 (women)> 60

The optimal values depend on gender and the risk of cardiovascular diseases:

Note: The higher the HDL, the better the protection against atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of HDL deficiency (hypoalphalipoproteinemia)

Low HDL levels (<1.0 mmol/L in men, < 1.2 mmol/L in women) increase the risk:

  1. Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases:
  • Coronary heart disease (chest pain during exercise).
  • Heart attack, stroke (in combination with high LDL).
  1. Metabolic disorders:
  • Obesity, insulin resistance.
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  1. For hereditary forms:
  • Early heart attacks (up to 50 years).
  • Xanthomas (fatty deposits in the skin).

Excess HDL (hyperalphalipoproteinemia)

Very high HDL (> 2.3 mmol / L or > 90 mg / dl) is usually beneficial, but in rare cases may be associated with:

  • Genetic mutations (for example, a defect in the CETP protein).
  • Chronic inflammatory processes (autoimmune diseases).
  • Excessive alcohol consumption (moderately increases HDL, but harms the liver).

The paradox: In some cases , very high HDL (above 3.0 mmol / L) can lose protective properties and even increase the risk of atherosclerosis due to particle dysfunction.

How to increase HDL?

Physical activity -aerobic exercise (running, swimming) increases HDL by 5-10%.
Healthy fats – omega-3 (fish, flaxseed oil), olive oil, avocado.
✅ Quitting smoking increases HDL by 10-15%.
✅ Moderate alcohol consumption (no more than 1 serving per day for women, 2 for men).
Avoid trans fats(fast food, margarine) and excess fast carbs.

Conclusions

  • HDL – ‘good cholesterol’, protects blood vessels from atherosclerosis.
  • HDL norm:
  • Men: &> 1.0 mmol / l (40 mg / dl).
  • Women: > 1.2 mmol / l (46 mg / dl).
  • Ideal: > 1.6 (men),> 1.8 (women) mmol/L (>60 mg/dl).
  • Low HDL – risk of heart attack, stroke.
  • Very high HDL (rarely) may lose its protective properties.