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Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is essential for our body, but excess can lead to many health problems.It is worth knowing that cholesterol does not occur in our blood in only one form, but is divided into several types, including HDL cholesterol, often called “good cholesterol”.In this article you will learn what HDL is, why it is considered beneficial to health, when an HDL test should be performed, how to prepare for it and what are the norms for the level of HDL in the blood.In addition, we will discuss the causes of low HDL levels and how to improve your LDL to HDL ratio to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
What is hdl and why is it called good cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, is one of the types of cholesterol present in the blood.It is called “good cholesterol” for several reasons.Firstly, HDL plays a key role in removing excess cholesterol from our body, preventing its accumulation in blood vessels.Secondly, HDL helps repair damage to blood vessels and protects against the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
When should an hdl test be performed?
Testing your HDL blood level may be recommended in a variety of situations.It’s worth having them as part of your routine preventive health check-ups, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, being overweight, lacking physical activity or having a diet high in saturated fat.Additionally, HDL testing may be recommended for people who already had heart problems or had family members with a history of cardiovascular disease.
How to prepare for hdl blood level testing?
There are no special dietary requirements before the HDL blood level test.However, it is worth remembering that a short break from eating before the test may affect the results, so it is best to come for the test on an empty stomach or at least 8 hours after the last meal.Before the test, avoid alcohol and smoking, as they may affect the level of HDL in your blood.
Hdl – norms for adults and children
Normal levels of HDL in the blood vary depending on age and gender.For adult men, the norm is usually above 40 mg/dl, and for adult women, above 50 mg/dl.For children and adolescents, the standards are lower, but they also depend on age and gender.It is important to interpret HDL blood test results in the proper context and consult a doctor if results are outside the normal range.
Causes of too low hdl levels
Low levels of HDL in the blood can be the result of various factors.The main causes include: an unhealthy diet rich in saturated fats, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity and hereditary tendencies.Lower HDL levels may increase the risk of heart disease, so it is worth taking steps to raise them.
Ldl to hdl ratio – what should be done to increase the too low hdl level and reduce the elevated ldl?
It is important to maintain a healthy ratio of LDL (low-density cholesterol) to HDL in the blood because it has a significant impact on overall cholesterol levels.There are several steps you can take to increase your HDL levels, such as increasing physical activity, changing your diet to a more healthy one, and quitting smoking.At the same time, it is worth limiting the consumption of saturated fats and simple sugars, which may increase LDL levels.
Your suggestions
If you have questions about HDL levels in your blood or would like more information on this topic, please consult your doctor or nutritionist.Remember that healthy HDL levels are crucial to maintaining good heart and blood vessel health.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of cholesterol and heart health, we recommend reading other articles on this topic, such as “How to lower cholesterol using natural methods” or “DASH diet – a recipe for a healthy heart”.With the right knowledge and taking the right actions, you can make a significant difference to your heart health and overall health.