What is a Good HDL Cholesterol Level - How to Manage Your Cholesterol

A complete fasting lipoprotein profile is the standard blood test that doctors use to measure cholesterol levels. It is recommended for all adults to have one every five years. This blood test will show four things: total cholesterol levels, (HDL) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, (LDL) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels

Depending on the outcome of the lipoprotein profile, the doctor may tell his patient to increase their HDL cholesterol levels. It may seem odd that he is telling someone to increase their cholesterol intake, but it's okay. To understand what is a good hdl cholesterol level and why that helps, you need to remember that not all cholesterol is bad. HDL is "good" cholesterol and actually helps lower it's counterpart- "bad" LDL cholesterol. Raising HDL cholesterol levels is an essential part of treating high cholesterol. Cholesterol treatment will hinge on the balance of high levels of good cholesterol and low levels of bad cholesterol. Having a good HDL cholesterol level also has protective antioxidant, anti- inflammatory and anti- clotting effects on the heart and arteries.

So, what is a good hdl cholesterol level? HDL cholesterol levels bellow 40 mg/dL for men and 50mg/dL for women put a person at a greater risk for heart disease. It is recommended to keep HDL cholesterol levels above 60 mg/dL to stave off heart disease. Anyone that has other risk factors for heart disease should keep their levels above 60. Most adults have an HDL cholesterol level around 40-60 mg/dL. This is considered the normal range for most adults. The complete fasting lipoprotein profile will give you and your doctor a baseline as to where to set your personal target level.

It's not just enough to know what is a good hdl cholesterol level, a person also needs to know how to reach their target level.

Losing 2 pounds of excess weight will increase HDL cholesterol levels by 0.35 mg/dL.

Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise, for five days a week, will raise HDL cholesterol levels 2-5%. It only takes two months of regular exercise to see HDL levels begin to drop.

Limit the daily consumption of saturated fats to less than 7% -daily.

Increase monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in the diet.

Limit alcohol consumption to only one drink per day.

Keep blood glucose levels within the normal range.

Refined carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels and should be ate only in moderation.

Eat two servings of soluble fiber daily.

Incorporate raw onion into your diet.

Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke.

Increase consumption of omega 3 fatty acids.

A daily Niacin (vitamin B3) supplement can raise HDL by 30%. *Be sure to discuss any vitamin with your doctor first.

Now that you know what is a good hdl cholesterol level and what can help you get there, go out and get to work. This is a life style change for many, but with hard work and perseverance you can achieve a good HDL level.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

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