Is it better to have high or low high-density lipoprotein?
Aug 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
A higher level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is better than a lower level. This indicator represents beneficial cholesterol, and a moderately elevated level contributes to cardiovascular health. A level that is too low may increase health risks, and an excessively high level also warrants caution for potential abnormalities. In daily life, maintaining HDL at an appropriate level—avoiding both excessively low and abnormally high levels—can be achieved through regular physical activity, maintaining a low-fat and low-sugar diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Generally speaking, a higher level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is better than a lower level. HDL is considered beneficial cholesterol, and maintaining an appropriately elevated level contributes to cardiovascular health. Low levels may increase health risks, while excessively high levels also warrant attention for possible abnormalities. Detailed analysis is as follows:
High-density lipoprotein transports excess cholesterol in the bloodstream to the liver for metabolism, reducing cholesterol deposition in blood vessel walls and thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. In adults, the normal range for HDL is generally 1.04-1.55 mmol/L. Slightly higher levels within this range, in the absence of other lipid abnormalities or diseases, are often due to healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and balanced nutrition, and provide protective benefits for the cardiovascular system.
Conversely, low HDL levels indicate a reduced capacity to remove excess cholesterol, leading to cholesterol accumulation in blood vessels and potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is commonly seen in individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles, consume high-fat diets, or are obese.
In daily life, maintaining HDL at an appropriate level—avoiding both excessively low and abnormally high levels—can be achieved through regular physical activity, a low-fat and low-sugar diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
