What is HDL? Let's talk about the 'good' cholesterol in our body (HDL Cholesterol)

When we hear the word cholesterol, many of us are afraid, right? Things like "Oh, I wonder if my cholesterol is high," "I can't eat oily food," come to mind. But did you know that not all types of cholesterol are bad for our health? There is actually a type of cholesterol that helps our body a lot, acting like a 'good friend'. That's the 'good' cholesterol, that is, HDL, which is what we are going to talk about today.

Simply put, what is HDL?

The full meaning of HDL is High-Density Lipoprotein . Now, this name may sound a bit complicated, but it's actually quite simple. Imagine that your blood vessels are the main roads in a city. Just as traffic jams and unnecessary garbage accumulate on these roads, 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) can also build up in our blood vessels.

That's when our protagonist, HDL, comes out. HDL is like the city's super-cleaning crew that cleans these streets. These HDL particles travel through the blood vessels, picking up unwanted, bad cholesterol (LDL) that has built up on the walls and taking it straight to the liver. It is in the liver that this bad cholesterol is further processed and eliminated from the body. This is why we call HDL 'good cholesterol' because it helps keep the blood vessels clean.

Why is HDL 'good' and LDL 'bad'?

Cholesterol is actually a type of fat that every cell in our body needs. But the problem lies in the way this cholesterol travels through the blood. It doesn't travel alone, it travels together with protein carrier molecules called lipoproteins. HDL and LDL are two such types of carriers. Their jobs are completely different. Let's understand this with a table.

In addition, HDL maintains the inner lining (endothelium) of our blood vessels, preventing them from becoming scratched or damaged. It's like applying plaster to a wall, maintaining it, and keeping it beautiful.

Understanding your cholesterol report (Lipid Profile)

When you get a blood test to check your cholesterol, the report you get is called a Lipid Profile. It has several values. Let's see what they are.

• Total Cholesterol: This is the sum of all the types of cholesterol in your body: HDL, LDL, and VLDL.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): This is the 'bad' cholesterol. The higher the level, the worse it is for the heart.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): This is the 'good' cholesterol. The higher this value, the better for your heart.
• VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein): This is also a type of bad cholesterol, like LDL.
• Triglycerides: This is another type of fat that is added to the body from the food we eat. An increase in this value also increases the risk of heart disease.

What should your HDL level be like?

The higher the HDL level, the better. Generally, healthy levels are as follows:

• Best level to protect against heart disease: 60 mg/dL or higher.
• For men: 40 mg/dL or higher reduces risk.
• For women: 50 mg/dL or higher reduces risk.
• For children ages 2-19: 45 mg/dL or higher is considered normal.

However, if your HDL level is below 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women), it may be a factor that increases your risk of heart disease.

What are the causes of low HDL levels?

There are several reasons why your HDL level may decrease:

• Genetic conditions: Some people are unable to control their cholesterol levels due to genetic factors. Tangier disease and familial combined hyperlipidemia are two such conditions.
• Metabolic Syndrome: A cluster of conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and abdominal obesity, that can lead to low HDL levels.
• Obesity: Increased body weight, especially when fat is deposited in the abdominal area, can lead to a decrease in HDL levels.
• Smoking and tobacco use: The nicotine in tobacco directly lowers your 'good' cholesterol levels.
• Certain medications: Some medications used to treat high blood pressure (such as beta blockers) can also lower HDL levels.

Is an unduly high HDL also a problem?

While it's generally considered good to have high HDL, in rare cases, abnormally high HDL levels (e.g., much higher than 80 mg/dL) can be a sign of certain genetic conditions. Therefore, if you notice any abnormalities in your cholesterol report, it's best to talk to your doctor about it.

Okay, so what should we do to increase HDL?

If your HDL level is low, there are several things you can do to increase it. These are very good for your overall health.

1. Exercise regularly: Do aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling, for 30-60 minutes a day, most days of the week.

2. Quit smoking completely: This is a must-do. Once you stop smoking, your HDL levels will gradually increase.

3. Maintain a healthy body weight: Losing weight not only increases HDL, but also protects you from many other diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

4. Adopt a healthy diet: Reduce your intake of fatty, fried, sugary foods, and fast foods as much as possible. Instead, include vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains (whole wheat, oats), fish, avocados, and healthy fats like olive oil in your diet.

5. Limit alcohol consumption: If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation.

Doctors usually recommend checking your cholesterol levels at least once every five years. However, if you have other risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.

Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Heart Disease, Lipid Profile, Good Cholesterol, Bad Cholesterol