What is good cholesterol? | HDL cholesterol range for Male and Female

Last updated on March 13th, 2024 at 07:20 pm

Numerous compounds present in food perform various functions for your body. One of those is called cholesterol, which is a greasy component. It is also produced by your liver and is essential for your body’s functions. The increase in cholesterol beyond normal levels leads to heart-related disease.

The body’s cholesterol level is assessed by measuring several types of cholesterols. They are total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride.

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If the levels of any of these are not normal, then it causes dyslipidemia. This condition can lead to atherosclerosis, which is the deposition of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the blood vessels, narrowing and obstructing the blood flow.

That brings us to the question – what do the different forms of cholesterol do?

Types of Cholesterol

First-what is total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride?

1. HDL Cholesterol: Also called “good cholesterol”, it transfers excess cholesterol from your bloodstream to your liver. This prevents cholesterol deposition in the arteries or blood vessels and keeps them clear.
2. LDL Cholesterol: It is the “bad cholesterol” that aids in cholesterol deposition in the arteries, thus leading to the narrowing of arteries. When your arteries are narrowed, it can restrict blood flow, thus disrupting the blood supply to the heart muscles and initiating a heart attack.
3. VLDL Cholesterol: It is also a “bad” cholesterol that contributes to fat deposition and narrowing of the arteries.
4. Triglycerides: It is a type of fat that your body uses for producing energy at the cellular level.
5. Total cholesterol: It is the total amount of cholesterol present in your blood. It is the sum of HDL + LDL + 20% triglycerides.

How do I know my levels of good cholesterol?

You can get your cholesterol levels checked by undergoing a lipid profile test. It is a simple blood test. You should be fasting for at least 8-12 hours before giving the blood sample for analysis.

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What is considered a good HDL level?

The cutoff for good cholesterol or HDL is different for males and females.

Good HDL levels For males:

• If your levels are more than 60 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood, then you are in the heart-healthy zone.
• If your levels are between 40-59 mg/dL of blood then you are at risk.
• If your levels are less than 40 mg/dL of blood, then you are in the dangerous zone.

Good HDL levels For females:

• If your levels are more than 60 mg/dL of blood, then you are in the heart-healthy zone.
• If your levels are between 50-59 mg/dL of blood, then you are at risk.
• If your levels are less than 50 mg/dL of blood, then you are in the dangerous zone.

How can I boost my HDL levels?

You can boost your HDL levels by:

1. Being physically active and going for regular exercise: Exercise increases good cholesterol levels in the body.
2. Keeping your body weight in check: Maintaining a healthy weight keeps your HDL levels in the desired range.
3. Decrease your alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol intake can increase triglycerides. It also leads to weight gain, leading to a fall in HDL.
4. Avoiding tobacco and smoking: Smoking has a direct risk of causing heart disease. In addition to a lot of other things, it also causes a decrease in HDL levels.
5. Avoiding and managing stress: Indulge in activities that help minimise stress. This helps in keeping the lipid profile within the normal range.
6. Consuming foods to increase HDL levels: Eating more beans, legumes, and salmon fish, along with whole grains and nuts, will help increase your HDL levels naturally.

Are there any factors that decrease good cholesterol levels?

Some medicines can bring your HDL levels down. They are the following:

• Beta-blockers: A group of medicines prescribed for controlling blood pressure.
• Certain steroidal and hormonal medicines used for contraception or other hormone-related disorders
• Certain sedatives used for anxiety and sleep disorders
• Uncontrolled diabetes can also lower your HDL levels

Conclusion

HDL or “good cholesterol” has a very important role in the management of blood cholesterol. It is the only form of cholesterol that works towards getting rid of extra cholesterol from the body, while all other types of cholesterol contribute towards increasing blood cholesterol and thus increasing the risk of future heart disease.

You can boost your HDL cholesterol level and keep other cholesterol levels in check by leading a healthy lifestyle.

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FAQs related good cholesterol

1. What are the risks of low HDL levels?

HDL helps in transferring cholesterol molecules from your blood to the liver, where they are broken down and flushed out from the body. In the absence of HDL, cholesterol gets deposited in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease.

2. How can I increase my HDL levels?

You can increase your HDL levels by

• Being physically active,
• Monitoring your weight and keeping it in the normal range,
• Reducing your alcohol intake,
• Giving up smoking and
• Managing stress levels.

3. What is a lipid profile test and when should I get it done?

A lipid profile is a test where a group of entities forming the complete category of cholesterol in the body is measured.

You should get it done after consulting your doctor as it depends on several factors like

• Age: In case of old age, you should get it done more frequently.
• Gender: Males should get it done more often than females, as they are at a higher risk.
• n case of a family history of heart disease or pre-existing heart disease, you should get the test done more frequently.