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With HDL (good) cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at higher risk for heart disease. An HDL cholesterol of 60 mg/dL or higher gives some protection against heart disease. High levels of HDL tend to drive the total cholesterol above the targeted 200 mg/dL.
Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup.
HDL cholesterol is higher in people who are lean, exercise regularly, and do not smoke cigarettes. Estrogen increases a person's HDL cholesterol, which explains why women generally have higher HDL levels than men do. Click here to read American Heart Association's recommendations on lipid profile.
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*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.
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