Hdl-cholesterol

HDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol stands for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and is often called the good cholesterol because it helps carry excess cholesterol away from arteries. It circulates in the blood inside particles that collect cholesterol from tissues and bring it back to the liver for removal or reuse. This process, called reverse cholesterol transport, helps prevent cholesterol buildup that can narrow blood vessels. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are generally linked to lower risk of heart disease, though the relationship is not perfectly straightforward. Doctors measure HDL as part of a lipid panel to assess cardiovascular risk alongside LDL and total cholesterol. Lifestyle choices like regular exercise, healthy weight, quitting smoking, and moderate alcohol use can raise HDL levels. Some medicines and supplements raise HDL but do not always lower heart disease risk, which shows that HDL function matters more than just the number. New research focuses on how well HDL works in the body, not just how much of it there is. Knowing your HDL level gives useful information for preventing heart disease and guiding lifestyle steps.