HDL cholesterol
Your cholesterol levels are an important measure of heart health. For HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, higher levels are better.High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's found in all of your cells and has several useful functions, including helping to build your body's cells. It's carried through your bloodstream attached to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins.High-density lipoprotein cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. HDL picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and takes it back to your liver where it's broken down and removed from your body.
How does food affect cholesterol?
A bagel with cream cheese for breakfast, a piece of fried chicken for lunch, a steak sautéed in butter for dinner, and a bowl of ice cream at night aren’t ideal for your cholesterol. These are sources of saturated and trans fat. They can increase your LDL and total cholesterol levels.The things that increase HDL are actually not food, but several medical and environmental factors. Avoiding obesity,sedentary lifestyle,type 2 diabetes,inflammation,ro smoking should increases your HDL.Some hormones increase HDL concentrations, such as estrogen or thyroid hormone. Exercise and moderate alcohol consumption are associated with higher HDL, too.The right food choices can lower your LDL levels, which improves your HDL to LDL ratio.The Mediterranean diet is a good place to start. Research has shown it’s associated with better cholesterol and overall health. Start incorporating the following Mediterranean-style and HDL-friendly foods into your daily diet.
How do I know what my HDL level is?
A blood test can measure your cholesterol levels, including HDL. When and how often you should get this test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history.HDL cholesterol is inversely related to the risk for cardiovascular disease. It increases following regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and with oral estrogen therapy. Decreased levels are associated with obesity, stress, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus.If an HDL cholesterol measurement is to be performed along with triglycerides, but not part of a lipid panel, then the patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection. If the HDL-cholesterol is ordered as part of a lipid panel then a fasting sample is not required.Looking for talent testing?. Tuhealthy help you to find titers for tdap.
