Even though the word “cholesterol” generally has a bad connotation, in reality all cholesterol is not bad. Actually, cholesterol is an essential fat because it provides stability in every cell of your body. Lipoproteins help transport cholesterol through the bloodstream. However, each lipoprotein carries different type.
High density lipoprotein cholesterol—the “good” cholesterol—finds and removes the low density lipoprotein cholesterol, otherwise known as “bad” cholesterol. HDL recycles the LDL cholesterol by transporting it to the liver where it will be reprocessed. Because of this, HDL cholesterol keeps the inner walls of the blood vessels clean and healthy. This is good, because damage to the inner walls is usually the first step in atherosclerosis, which is what causes heart attacks and strokes.
You can take a cholesterol test to find out the levels of your HDL cholesterol. If your HDL cholesterol levels are greater than 60 milligrams per deciliter, this is good. However, if your HDL cholesterol levels are lower than 40 milligrams per deciliter, this is very low and therefore can increase your risk for heart attack.
If your HDL levels are too low, there are some things you can do to improve it. Exercising, keeping a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and tobacco use will all increase your HDL cholesterol levels and therefore reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
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