what does it mean if my hdl is low

When HDL cholesterol

levels are low, it means that not enough cholesterol is being removed from the tissues, thus also allowing excess cholesterol to accumulate in the arteries. High LDL cholesterol levels are considered “bad,” and high HDL cholesterol levels are considered “good.”

Full Answer

What happens if HDL cholesterol is low?

People with normal HDL cholesterol can have heart disease. And people with low HDL levels can have healthy hearts. Overall, though, people who have low HDL cholesterol will have greater risk of developing heart disease than people with high HDL levels.

What causes low HDL levels?

Lifestyle choices also affect HDL levels. Smoking, carrying too many pounds, and lack of physical activity tend to lower HDL. So does a diet high in refined carbohydrates (white bread, sugars, etc.). Medications such as beta blockers, anabolic steroids, progestins, and benzodiazepines can also depress HDL.

How do you fix low HDL cholesterol?

Here are nine healthful ways to raise HDL cholesterol.Consume olive oil. ... Follow a low carb or ketogenic diet. ... Exercise regularly. ... Add coconut oil to the diet. ... Quit smoking. ... Lose weight. ... Choose purple produce. ... Eat fatty fish often.More items...

What should I eat to increase my HDL?

A 2020 study showed that, in people with risk factors for metabolic disease, following the Mediterranean diet effectively lowered overall blood cholesterol.Olive oil. ... High fiber fruit. ... Flax. ... Nuts. ... Chia seeds. ... Avocado. ... Soy.

What is the lowest HDL level?

Low HDL-C is currently defined as an HDL-C value below 40 mg/dl for men or below 50 mg/dl for women, corresponding to approximately the 50th percentile (3). Patients exhibiting extremely low HDL-C, defined in this review as levels below 20 mg/dl, often have severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride >500 mg/dl).

How can I raise my HDL fast?

5 Ways to Raise Your HDL CholesterolGet active. Physical activity can boost your HDL level. ... Lose extra weight. If you're overweight, losing extra pounds can help raise your HDL levels, as well as cut your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.Choose better fats. ... Alcohol in moderation. ... Stop smoking.

How long does it take to raise HDL?

You'll see changes in your LDL level after just 3-6 months of exercising regularly. It takes longer to see a difference in HDL. Most studies show it takes an average of 9 months, Higgins says.

Does walking raise HDL?

1. Walking raises your “good” cholesterol and lowers your “bad” cholesterol. A brisk 30-minute walk three times per week is enough to raise your “good” cholesterol (HDL) and lower your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) a few points. This amount of exercise, even without weight loss, is shown to improve your cholesterol levels.

What is a good number for HDL?

HDL cholesterol levels greater than 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are high. That's good. HDL cholesterol levels less than 40 mg/dL are low.

Can fish oil increase HDL cholesterol?

However, fish oil also raises the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol in the body, and increases the size of LDL particles. This is beneficial, because smaller LDL particles are associated with a greater risk of atherosclerosis, which can contribute to angina and heart attacks.

How do you raise your HDL and lower your triglycerides?

Take fish oil supplements 2000 mg/day. Avoid Refined Carbohydrates – white bread, white rice, sugary cereal, potato chips, crackers, pretzels and rice cakes. Soy Foods – eat edamame, tofu, soy nuts, and drink soy milk. Avoid Alcohol use – Avoid alcohol if you have high triglycerides as it can increase it even more.

What are some examples of low HDL?

An example is a person who is overweight and smokes and is found to have a low HDL on a routine blood test. Instead of prescribing a medication to increase the HDL to a "normal" number, a healthcare provider will focus on smoking cessation counseling, exercise, and weight loss. These measures can all effectively raise the HDL

What is the best HDL level for women?

Optimal HDL levels vary for women and men. Anything over 40 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for men is considered optimal, and over 50 mg/dL for women. 4 However, healthcare providers focus less on the actual HDL "number" and more on a person's entire heart health and how their individual HDL level fits into that picture.

Why is HDL important?

Your HDL level is important, but your healthcare provider will likely focus less on the precise number and more on what it means. They will interpret your HDL level within the context of your risk factors for heart disease like your family history, weight, activity level, whether you smoke, and whether you have other medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

How long do you have to fast before a blood draw?

Lipid profiles test your HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels. You may have to fast for eight to 12 hours prior to the blood draw to get an accurate test result. 8.

How to increase HDL?

Limiting saturated fats (for example, butter, cream, whole or 2 percent milk, beef, pork, chicken with skin) and substituting them for monounsaturated fats like fatty fish, olives, and avocados can raise your HDL. Sedentary lifestyle: Adding moderate exercise to your daily routine may help increase your HDL levels slightly.

Is HDL good or bad?

That's because HDL is considered "good cholesterol .". HDL plays an interesting role in that it actually removes LDL cholesterol ( your "bad" cholesterol) from the walls of your arteries. This may protect your arteries from clogging up and causing conditions like a heart attack or stroke .

Is low HDL cholesterol bad for you?

In fact, studies have shown that low HDL levels are linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 1  This is especially true if other lipids, such as LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, in your blood are also high. Likewise, research suggests that to a certain extent, high HDL levels are linked to a lower risk ...

What To Expect During The Test

The HDL test is quick and relatively painless. A healthcare provider will draw a blood sample using a needle. Youll feel the sting of the needle where the blood sample is taken. Some tests, such as home tests, only need a drop of blood taken using a small needle called a lancet.

What Does Ldl Cholesterol Do

LDL is considered the bad cholesterol. It carries cholesterol to your arteries, where it may collect in the vessel walls and contribute to plaque formation, known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle , leg muscles , or abrupt closure of an artery in the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

What Are Normal Levels Of Cholesterol

Normal levels of cholesterol are different depending on your age and sex. These guidelines show desirable total, non-HDL, LDL and HDL levels by age and sex.

Low Cholesterol And Preterm Birth Or A Baby With Low Weight

In a study, published in the October 2007 issue of the journal Pediatrics, nearly 13% of the women with very low cholesterol gave birth prematurely.

Cook With Healthy Oils To Raise Hdl Cholesterol

Not all oils are created equal when it comes to your heart health. Olive oil and soybean oil are mainly unsaturated fat, which can lower LDL cholesterol and at the same time increase HDL cholesterol.

Heart Disease Risk Factors

There are many different risk factors for heart disease. Cholesterol is one component of this risk factor stratification. High LDL levels and low HDL levels are definite risk factors for heart disease. While having high LDL and low HDL levels does not guarantee a person will develop heart disease, it does raise the chances that it will occur.

Are Test Results Accurate

HDL cholesterol testing is extremely common and frequently used to evaluate cardiovascular risk. Like any test, though, HDL cholesterol tests are not perfectly accurate. Certain factors that can influence accuracy of any single test include:

Low HDL Cholesterol Means

It is highly likely that you have heard about, or been told that you need to lower your cholesterol levels. This is true, as high cholesterol levels are known to cause health issues and can be serious if it is not kept in check.

More about HDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol plays an important as well as a protective role in looking after your heart and blood vessels from diseases like heart attacks and strokes. The cholesterol itself is a fat. Hence, it is not the cholesterol that is protective per se, but the HDL lipoprotein as a whole.

Low HDL Meaning – What is low HDL cholesterol?

So, HDL cholesterol is referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol as it helps protect your heart and blood vessels from disease. It is necessary for your good health, but if the levels are too high (above 60 mg/dL), or too low, these can lead to problems.

My HDL cholesterol is too low – what now?

If your HDL cholesterol levels are too low, you can be at risk of developing heart disease. The optimal levels of HDL cholesterol should be as close to less than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women. Additionally, young adults may need to have an HDL cholesterol level of more than 45 mg/dL.

What are the causes of low HDL cholesterol?

There are a number of different aspects that can cause low HDL cholesterol. Factors such as genetics play a role. This is also called hypoalphalipoproteinemia. (Its official definition is is ‘a high-density lipoprotein deficiency’).

How can I improve my low levels of HDL cholesterol?

There a number of things that you can do to improve the levels of your low HDL cholesterol level. Remember that the higher your HDL cholesterol level, the better your health is. Most of the ways that you can improve or raise the level of your HDL cholesterol will also lower your LDL (the ‘bad’) cholesterol at the same time.

high triglycerides with low HDL –There is medical treatment available

While making positive and important lifestyle changes are definitely the best way to improve your HDL level, there are medications available that could help. Most of the prescribed medications for high cholesterol also work to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. However, some of these medications can also improve your HDL level.

How does stress affect cholesterol?

Stress: Long-term stress can negatively impact HDL cholesterol levels. Stress-induced sleep loss can further decrease your HDL. Poor eating habits: A diet high in refined foods and sugar can contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol.

How to increase HDL?

Making even small changes to your daily routine and lifestyle can positively impact your health. Here are a few things you can do to influence your HDL levels: 1 Quit smoking – Giving up smoking can increase your good cholesterol by 10 percent. If you need help, ask your doctor about your options. 2 Lose weight – If your BMI is over 25, losing a few pounds can impact your cholesterol levels. 3 Exercise regularly – Regular exercise can increase good cholesterol levels by up to five percent in just two months. Brisk exercise, such as walking, swimming, cycling, gardening, and running, can increase your heart rate. Try brisk exercise for 30 minutes or in three 10-minute intervals. 4 Eat healthy – Only 25 to 35 percent of your daily calories should come from fat. However, you should avoid saturated and trans fats because they raise bad cholesterol levels. Try polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats instead, which can be found in peanut, canola, and olive oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial and can be found in nuts and fish. 5 Consume alcohol in moderation – Basically, just drink less. Moderate amounts of alcohol are actually linked to high levels of good cholesterol. Women should only have one drink a day, while men should have no more than two.

Why is my HDL cholesterol low?

There are many causes for low HDL cholesterol levels. Uncontrolled diabetes: High glucose levels can lower HDL cholesterol. Proper management of diabetes can help return your HDL cholesterol back into a healthy range. Smoking: Chemicals in cigarettes can lower HDL cholesterol, while cessation can bring it back up.

What is the best cholesterol level for men?

The optimal level of HDL cholesterol for both men and women is 60 mg/dL or above. HDL cholesterol level below 40 mg/dL in men and below 50 mg/dL in women is considered risky for the heart.

What are the best foods to lower cholesterol?

Nuts: A study shows that people lowered their total cholesterol by 5.4 percent and LDL cholesterol by 9.3 percent by taking 1.5 ounces of walnuts six days a week for one month.

What percentage of your calories should come from fat?

Eat healthy – Only 25 to 35 percent of your daily calories should come from fat. However, you should avoid saturated and trans fats because they raise bad cholesterol levels. Try polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats instead, which can be found in peanut, canola, and olive oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial and can be found in nuts and fish.

How to reduce cholesterol in a healthy way?

Try brisk exercise for 30 minutes or in three 10-minute intervals. Eat healthy – Only 25 to 35 percent of your daily calories should come from fat. However, you should avoid saturated and trans fats because they raise bad cholesterol levels.

How to lower LDL cholesterol?

Smoking. Try to stop smoking (tobacco products are known to lower HDL levels and increase LDL levels and triglycerides). Drinking. Avoid or limit alcoholic beverages (up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger).

Why is LDL considered bad?

LDL is labeled the “bad” cholesterol because it can build up on your arterial wall and restrict blood flow. This build-up of cholesterol, along with plaque (inflammatory deposits), can result in atherosclerosis, also known as hardening or narrowing of the arteries.

What is the active chemical in fish oil?

icosapent ( Vascepa): this is the active chemical in fish oil and is approved for lowering triglyceride levels and cardiovascular risk

What happens if a blood clot forms and gets stuck in the narrowed passageway?

If a blood clot forms and gets stuck in the narrowed passageway, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. In this article, we’ll look at what HDL cholesterol is, its function in the body, and how to boost your HDL levels.

How is cholesterol made?

Cholesterol is made by your liver , but you can also consume it by eating foods that come from animals. It’s transported throughout your body in your blood. Cholesterol is needed by your body to: produce vitamin D. help form cell membrane layers. make certain hormones.

How old do you have to be to check your cholesterol?

The AHA does not recommend routine cholesterol screening for those under 20 years old, unless they have a family history of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).

What are the two types of cholesterol?

There are two primary types of cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are a third type of cholesterol. They carry triglycerides, which is the fat your body stores up and uses for energy between meals.

How to increase HDL?

I have a rule of fives as an approximate guide to raising HDL: 1 If one manages to thin down to ideal body weight that can raise one's HDL by 5. 2 If one is smoking, stop smoking will raise the HDL by another 5. 3 If one starts to exercise regularly, it raises the HDL by 5. 4 Medications can raise it by 5.

How many LDL points are below normal?

In estimating risk of heart attacks, every HDL point below normal is worth about 4 LDL points that is high. Average normal HDL for adult men is 45, for women is 55. At an HDL level of 30, this viewer is 15 points below average for a man--quite a low number.

How much does exercise raise HDL?

If one starts to exercise regularly, it raises the HDL by 5.

Does MedicineNet provide medical advice?

MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

Can information become obsolete?

Please remember, information can be subject to interpretation and can become obsolete.

What are optimal levels of HDL cholesterol?

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood or millimoles (mmol) per liter (L). When it comes to HDL cholesterol, higher numbers are better.

How to lower cholesterol and LDL?

In terms of diet, try to avoid trans fats, as they can increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol levels. Foods prepared with shortening, such as cakes and cookies, often contain trans fats, as do most fried foods and some margarines. Limit saturated fat, found in meats and full-fat dairy products, as well.

What drugs lower LDL?

HDL levels are sometimes improved by drugs used to lower LDL and triglyceride levels — such as prescription niacin; fibrates such as gemfibrozil (Lopid); and certain statins, particularly simvastatin (Zocor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor).

Why were HDL levels halted?

But clinical trials for several drugs specifically designed to increase HDL levels were halted early because they didn't reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Why is HDL so high?

This may be caused by genetic factors.

How does exercise help you lose weight?

Benefits can be seen with as little as 60 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise a week.

Does HDL cholesterol cause heart disease?

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.

Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), high triglycerides, low HDL, and high LDL are risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis, which is a narrowing of your arteries caused by plaque buildup.

High blood pressure

High total cholesterol and blood pressure often occur together. A 2021 study found that high total cholesterol levels are positively correlated to high blood pressure.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition that causes the accumulation of fat in your liver, which can lead to liver damage and serious complications. According to 2020 research, its development is linked to:

Acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a potentially serious condition that causes sudden inflammation of your pancreas. Most cases resolve by themselves, but it can also lead to serious complications like kidney failure.

Note on existing studies

More research is needed to fully understand whether very high HDL levels increase the risk of death.

Over-the-counter treatments

Some of the over-the-counter treatments that may help you treat dyslipidemia include:

Prescription treatments

Statins are the most common medication used to treat dyslipidemia. Your doctor may also recommend prescription-strength: