HDL cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a type of cholesterol often referred to as the 'good' cholesterol. Unlike other forms of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol is a lipoprotein that helps to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body.
HDL cholesterol plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health, helping to prevent atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke. It is believed that higher levels of HDL cholesterol can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the buildup of plaque and increasing blood flow throughout the body.
In the healthcare industry, HDL cholesterol is typically measured as part of a standard lipid panel, which also measures levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Healthcare providers use these measurements to help assess a patient's overall risk of cardiovascular disease and develop treatment plans to help manage cholesterol levels.
Treatment plans to manage HDL cholesterol levels may include lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, and medications such as statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs. By managing HDL cholesterol levels, healthcare providers can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and improve the overall health of their patients.
HDL Cholesterol
Health Care Term
HDL cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a type of cholesterol often referred to as the 'good' cholesterol. Unlike other forms of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol is a lipoprotein that helps to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body.
HDL cholesterol plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health, helping to prevent atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke. It is believed that higher levels of HDL cholesterol can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the buildup of plaque and increasing blood flow throughout the body.
In the healthcare industry, HDL cholesterol is typically measured as part of a standard lipid panel, which also measures levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Healthcare providers use these measurements to help assess a patient's overall risk of cardiovascular disease and develop treatment plans to help manage cholesterol levels.
Treatment plans to manage HDL cholesterol levels may include lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, and medications such as statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs. By managing HDL cholesterol levels, healthcare providers can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke and improve the overall health of their patients.