You might associate cholesterol as something bad, because you’ve probably heard about high cholesterol being a risk factor for heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. But not all types of cholesterol are unhealthy.
High dentistry lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a form that is highly beneficial.
See Stuart Felzer, MD, FACP, at Premium Healthcare in Wilmington, Delaware, to learn more about HDL cholesterol, have your levels checked, and understand how to boost HDL.
HDL cholesterol is described as the good cholesterol because higher levels appear to protect you against strokes and heart attacks.
Good cholesterol picks up low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also called the bad cholesterol, from your bloodstream and artery walls and hauls it back to your liver. There, your body can process and remove unhealthy cholesterol.
Too much bad cholesterol can stick to blood vessel walls and form plaque, narrowing these vessels and raising your risk for heart- and blood vessel-related complications. HDL helps prevent plaque buildup, so higher levels are ideal.
The benefits of higher HDL cholesterol include:
Because your risk of a heart attack and stroke decreases due to healthy HDL cholesterol levels, your life expectancy may increase.
Your target HDL depends on your gender. A healthy goal for men is greater than 40mg/dL, while women should aim for more than 50mg/dL.
Things that may cause HDL to decrease include:
Beta blockers, anabolic steroids, some diuretics, sedatives, and certain hormone therapies may also decrease HDL levels.
If your HDL is lower than recommended, you can boost your levels by:
It’s helpful to have us at Premium Healthcare check your cholesterol periodically during a physical to ensure your HDL levels remain within a healthy range. Dr. Felzer specializes in convenient remote patient monitoring and preventive care.
Contact us today at Premium Healthcare for an appointment at our Wilmington, Delaware, office to have your HDL cholesterol levels checked.
