What does it mean if high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is low?

The main causes of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol include the following: 1. Medication effects: Long-term use of certain medications, such as beta-blockers used for lowering blood pressure, and sedative-hypnotic drugs like diazepam and estazolam, may lead to reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 2. Disease factors: Conditions such as inflammation, severe infections, coronary artery disease, cirrhosis, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and renal insufficiency may also result in decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. 3. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: High-fat diets, overeating, irregular eating patterns, as well as long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity—these unhealthy lifestyle habits can all affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. 4. Genetic factors: Some individuals may naturally have low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels due to inherited genetic factors.