Is a higher level of high-density lipoprotein always better?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling generally weak and tired. I later found out during a medical checkup that my high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was high. I would like to ask, is a higher level of high-density lipoprotein always better?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Elevated HDL levels within an appropriate range are beneficial, but higher levels are not always better. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as "good cholesterol," primarily functions to help remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad cholesterol") and triglycerides from the body, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Increased HDL levels facilitate cholesterol clearance from peripheral tissues and help prevent the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. However, excessively high HDL levels may be associated with certain health issues such as inflammation and oxidative stress, which can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, HDL functionality is important; even with high HDL levels, if its capacity to remove cholesterol is impaired, it may fail to effectively protect against cardiovascular diseases.
The normal range for HDL is generally between 1.03 and 2.07 mmol/L, with an optimal level typically above 1.04 mmol/L. Maintaining HDL within the normal range involves adopting healthy dietary habits, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing body weight.
