What Do Low HDL Levels Mean?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is important to the function of the cell membranes in your body. It also aids in the production of certain hormones and is used by the liver in the process of digestion. However, too much of certain kinds of cholesterol can cause cardiovascular problems.

Types

There are two different types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. LDL is known as the "bad" cholesterol, while HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol variant because it guards against heart disease.

Significance

If you have an HDL levels lower than 40 mg/dl, you might be at greater risk for heart disease.

Considerations

An HDL level of 60 mg/dL or higher provides your body with some form of protection against cardiovascular disease.

Causes

Low HDL levels can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking.

Average HDL Range

According to the American Heart Association, the average man has HDL levels of 40 to 50 mg/dL; the average woman has a range of 50 to 60 mg/dL.

References

• What Is Cholesterol?
• What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean

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