HDL cholesterol
which are
combinations of lipids ( fats ) and proteins, are the form in which
lipids are transported in the blood. The high-density lipoproteins
transport
cholesterol from the tissues of the body to the liver so it can be
gotten rid of ( in the bile ) . HDL
cholesterol is therefore
considered the "good" cholesterol. The higher the HDL cholesterol
level, the lower the risk of coronary artery disease.
Even small increases in HDL cholesterol reduce the frequency of heart attacks. For each 1 mg/dl increase in HDL cholesterol there is a 2 to 4% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. Although there are no formal guidelines, proposed treatment goals for patients with low HDL cholesterol are to increase HDL cholesterol to above 35 mg/dl in men and 45 mg/dl in women with a family history of coronary heart disease; and to increase HDL cholesterol to approach 45 mg/dl in men and 55 mg/dl in women with known coronary heart disease.
The first step in increasing HDL cholesterol levels is life style modification. Regular aerobic exercise, loss of excess weight ( fat ) , and cessation of cigarette smoking cigarettes will increase HDL cholesterol levels. Moderate alcohol consumption ( such as one drink a day ) also raises HDL cholesterol When life style modifications are insufficient, medications are used. Medications that are effective in increasing HDL cholesterol include nicotinic acid ( niacin ) , gemfibrozil ( Lopid ) , estrogen, and to a lesser extent, the statin drugs.
HDL cholesterol in Wikipedia
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) is one of the 5 major groups of lipoproteins (chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL) which enable lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides to move within the water based solution of the blood stream. In healthy individuals, about thirty percent of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.It is hypothesized that HDL can remove cholesterol from atheroma within arteries and t ....View wikipedia
Related Pages on HDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Overview of HDL (HDL-C, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) blood test which determines risk of developing heart disease; included in a cholesterol test or lipid profile.
HDL Cholesterol: At a Glance
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) form a class of lipoproteins, varying somewhat in their size (8–11 nm in diameter), that carry fatty acids and cholesterol from the body's tissues ...