What is high HDL cholesterol?
Don't you know what it means to have high HDL cholesterol? That's why, from The EveryDay Lab in Mexico , we explain it to you and give you advice to keep it at optimal levels for your health.
What is high HDL cholesterol and how can I tell?
A high level of HDL cholesterol (known as the "good" cholesterol) can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
However, some genetic conditions can raise HDL levels. In these cases, raising HDL may not offer protection against heart attacks or strokes, probably because the disease also causes other changes in lipids and the way the body metabolizes food.
HDL elevations can be:
- Primary: caused by genetic mutations, or
- Secondary: caused by other disorders.
Primary causes of elevated HDL levels include genetic mutations that result in overproduction of HDL or decreased removal of HDL.
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What are the secondary causes of high HDL levels?
Secondary causes of high HDL levels include:
- Chronic alcoholism without cirrhosis.
- Hyperthyroidism (this means excessive activity of the thyroid gland).
- Primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Medications (such as corticosteroids, insulin, phenytoin)
Elevated HDL cholesterol levels are diagnosed through blood tests that measure lipids. If a high HDL level is detected in a person who is not taking lipid-lowering medications, doctors investigate the cause of the increase.
Treatment focuses on the condition that is causing the elevated HDL cholesterol levels.
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Cholesteryl ester transfer protein deficiency
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the CETP gene.
CETP helps transfer cholesterol from high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to other lipoproteins, so its deficiency alters low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and slows the removal of HDL cholesterol from the blood.
Affected individuals have no symptoms but do have elevated levels of HDL cholesterol in their blood. No treatment is required.
Familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia
Familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by several genetic mutations.
Diagnosis is usually made when elevated levels of HDL cholesterol are detected in a routine blood test. That said, affected individuals do not have symptoms and do not need treatment.
What happens if you have high HDL cholesterol?
Having high HDL cholesterol , also known as "good" cholesterol, is generally considered beneficial for cardiovascular health .
Unlike LDL ("bad" cholesterol), which is associated with plaque buildup in the arteries and an increased risk of heart disease, HDL helps remove LDL from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for disposal.
In general, the higher your HDL cholesterol, the better. Desirable HDL levels for healthy adults are:
- Men: 40 mg/dL or more
- Women: 50 mg/dL or more
However, it is important to note that HDL levels are not the only factor that determines heart disease risk. Other factors, such as LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, family history and lifestyle, also play a role.
If you have high HDL, your doctor may recommend:
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits: This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control and avoiding smoking.
- Monitor your cholesterol levels regularly: Your doctor will tell you how often you should have your cholesterol tested.
- Consider cholesterol-lowering medications: In some cases, if you are at high risk for heart disease despite having high HDL, your doctor may recommend medications to lower your LDL cholesterol.
Remember that it is important to consult with your doctor to interpret your cholesterol results and determine the best treatment plan for you.
Additional benefits of having high HDL cholesterol
Here are some additional benefits of having high HDL cholesterol:
- It can reduce the risk of:
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Peripheral arterial disease
- It can help improve brain function
- May reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
So, if you have high HDL, it's good news for your health! Continue your healthy lifestyle habits and follow your doctor's recommendations to keep your heart healthy.
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What does HDL cholesterol 70 mean?
An HDL cholesterol level of 70 mg/dL is considered high and beneficial for cardiovascular health .
Remember that:
- The higher your HDL cholesterol, the better: Desirable levels for healthy adults are:
- Men: 40 mg/dL or more
- Women: 50 mg/dL or more
- Having high HDL helps reduce the risk of heart disease because HDL removes LDL ("bad" cholesterol) from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver for disposal.
- However, HDL levels are not the only factor that determines heart disease risk: Other factors, such as LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, family history and lifestyle, also play a role.
- It is important to consult with your doctor to interpret your cholesterol results and determine the best treatment plan for you.
If you have an HDL of 70 mg/dL, your doctor may recommend:
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits: This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight control and avoiding smoking.
- Monitor your cholesterol levels regularly: Your doctor will tell you how often you should have your cholesterol tested.
- Consider cholesterol-lowering medications: In some cases, if you are at high risk for heart disease despite having high HDL, your doctor may recommend medications to lower your LDL cholesterol.
How to level HDL cholesterol?
While having high HDL cholesterol (known as "good cholesterol") is generally beneficial for cardiovascular health, it is important to keep it in balance along with other risk factors , such as LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), blood pressure, and lifestyle.
Here are some strategies to naturally lower your HDL cholesterol:
Diet
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseed.
- Increase your intake of soluble fiber: You can find it in oats, beans, lentils, apples, pears and citrus fruits.
- Limit saturated fats: Found in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods.
- Reduce your trans fat intake: You can find these in some fried foods, margarines and baked goods.
- Choose healthy oils: Opt for olive, canola or avocado oil for cooking.
Exercise
- Do moderate aerobic physical activity: Walk, jog or ride a bike for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
- Incorporate strength exercises: Train with weights or resistance bands two or three times a week.
- Stay active in your daily life: Take the stairs, walk or ride a bike instead of using the car for short distances.
Healthy lifestyle
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help increase your HDL.
- Quit smoking: Smoking damages arteries and reduces HDL levels.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect HDL levels.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to low HDL levels. Therefore, it is recommended to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing to manage stress.
Monitoring and follow-up
- Consult your doctor: It is essential that you have regular cholesterol tests to know your HDL and LDL levels, as well as other cardiovascular risk factors.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations: Your doctor will give you personalized advice based on your medical history, lifestyle and individual risks.
Remember that:
- Lifestyle changes are the most effective and safest way to raise your HDL cholesterol.
- If you have low HDL levels or a high risk for heart disease, your doctor may consider medications to help you control your cholesterol levels.
- It is important to be patient and consistent with your lifestyle changes. The results may not be immediate, but in the long term they will greatly benefit your cardiovascular health.
