HDL Cholesterol
Some studies have identified low HDL cholesterol level as a risk factor for heart disease itself. This means that even if the total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are normal, a low HDL cholesterol level will still be a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Normal HDL level is 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.
The HDL molecule is made up of protein, lipids and cholesterol which sweeps the walls of the arteries to remove cholesterol build up and transports it back to the liver for elimination through the gastrointestinal tract.
Low HDL cholesterol levels still pose great risks for patients, however, some doctors concentrate on letting the patients bring down their total blood cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels, not giving so much attention on the HDL cholesterol level.
So who needs to increase their HDL cholesterol levels? Males whose HDL cholesterol levels are below 40 mg/dL and women whose levels do not reach 50 mg/dL should exert effort in increasing their HDL cholesterol levels regardless if their total blood cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels are within the normal range.
How to increase HDL level
* Losing weight does not only increase your HDL cholesterol levels, it also reduces you bad cholesterol level.
* Exercising is one of the best methods to increase your HDL cholesterol level. Physical activities like walking, jogging, biking, or anything that will increase your heart rate for at least 30 minutes at one time will help raise your HDL level.
* Changing one’s eating routine – It merely advises you to do away with food choices that have high cholesterol content. Substitutes that are as delectable as the foods we are accustomed to are also available.
* Quitting smoking can actually increase your HDL cholesterol levels up to 15% to 20%.
Those are just some examples of how to increase your HDL cholesterol levels. If you still have cholesterol problems, consult your doctor.
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