HDL cholesterol can be considered “good” cholesterol because healthy levels can help protect against heart attacks and strokes. HDL carries LDL (bad) cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where LDL is broken down and eliminated from the body. But HDL cholesterol does not remove LDL cholesterol. Only a small portion of the cholesterol in the blood is carried by HDL.
HDL’s heart-protective effects are well documented by the consistent inverse relationship between HDL levels and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
When HDL is high, the risk of CAD is reduced. For example, when a person eats a high-fat meal, the food is broken down, causing LDL to deposit in the coronary arteries (blood vessels that feed the heart). Over time, plaque builds up and the risk of heart attack increases.
HDL, on the other hand, is made in the liver, and one of its main functions is to pull cholesterol out of plaque. By removing cholesterol, HDL also removes inflammatory agents, allowing plaque to heal.
Additionally, HDL has antioxidant properties. In addition, studies have shown that HDL promotes plaque shrinkage or regression, making HDL a therapeutic target.
So, you may be wondering how do I increase HDL?
- First, for smokers, quit. Smoking leads to plaque buildup and reduces HDL function.
- Second, exercise regularly.
- Finally, eating a healthy diet is a mainstay of treatment. Eating vegetables and avoiding too many carbohydrates is definitely a start. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish like wild salmon) has also been shown to be beneficial.
Additionally, an occasional glass of red wine can increase HDL function.
