HDL cholesterol, known as 'good cholesterol,' plays a crucial role in protecting your heart. At the Marc Bony Chiropractic Center, we'll explain how to improve your levels and maintain optimal health.

HDL Cholesterol

Your cholesterol levels are an important indicator of heart health.

HDL cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol—the higher, the better.  Even if your doctor has told you that you need to lower your total cholesterol, it’s important to increase your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) while reducing your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol.

Understanding HDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all your cells that serves several useful functions, such as helping to build the body’s cells. It is transported through the bloodstream bound to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the lipoproteins that transport cholesterol throughout the body and deliver it to various organs and tissues. But if your body has more cholesterol than it needs, the excess continues to circulate in your blood. Over time, circulating LDL cholesterol can enter the walls of your blood vessels and begin to build up beneath the vessel lining. Deposits of LDL cholesterol particles within the vessel walls are called plaques, and they begin to narrow your blood vessels. Eventually, the plaques can narrow the vessels to the point of blocking blood flow, causing coronary artery disease.

This is why LDL cholesterol is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) collect excess cholesterol from the blood and carry it back to your liver, where it is broken down. The higher your HDL level, the less “bad” cholesterol you’ll have in your blood. Simply lowering your LDL cholesterol might not be enough if you’re at high risk for heart disease. Raising your HDL cholesterol can also reduce your risk of heart disease.

If your HDL cholesterol level falls between the risk range and the target range, you should continue to work on raising it to reduce your risk of heart disease. If you don't know your HDL cholesterol level, ask your doctor about a baseline cholesterol test. If your HDL cholesterol level isn't within the desired range, you can try these lifestyle changes to increase your HDL cholesterol. Your lifestyle has the greatest impact on your HDL cholesterol. Even small changes in your daily habits can help you reach your HDL cholesterol goal.