Dangeres of Having Low HDL Levels

Often called “Good Cholesterol,” HDL stands for High-Density Lipoprotein.  HDL is a blood substance that picks up cholesterol and helps remove it from the body.   HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because high levels seem to protect against cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. HDL cholesterol clears out excess cholesterol in the blood vessels of your body.  This excess cholesterol can be arterial plaque buildup that leads to coronary problems.

Good cholesterol protects the arteries from atherosclerosis. HDL cholesterol interferes with the accumulation of LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol particles in the artery walls.

Raising HDL levels in important because it is strongly related to risks of heart attacks and atherosclerosis. High HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of developing these conditions.  And on the flip side, low levels of HDL cholesterol are linked to a higher risk.  Having either a very high HDL cholesterol level or a very low level can be genetic.  Families that have high HDL levels tend to have a lower risk of heart attacks and are shown to live longer.

Women generally have higher HDL cholesterol levels due to the presence of estrogen.  Estrogen tends to raise HDL levels.  HDL cholesterol is also higher in people who are thin, who do not smoke, and who watch their diet and exercise regularly.