|  | Conditions Treatments | Cholesterol

The Effects of Low HDL

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is a type of protein used by your body to transport cholesterol in your bloodstream to your liver, where it is filtered and eventually excreted. Without sufficient levels of HDL, cholesterol can build up in your arteries, which may lead to health issues down the road. Learning the effects of low HDL now can help break any bad habits and safeguard your health in the future.

  1. Heart Disease

    • According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 500,000 people die every year from heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in America. Formally called atherosclerosis, excess cholesterol in the bloodstream collects and hardens on arterial walls, reducing blood flow and causing the heart to work harder. HDL is believed to help reduce the amount of plaque buildup in arteries, preventing atherosclerosis.

      Ensure your HDL levels are normal to lower your risk of heart disease. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers an HDL level of 40 mg/dL or lower as a health risk, while a level of 60 mg/dL or higher as effective for preventing heart disease. Check your cholesterol levels by getting blood work done. This is typically done by your family physician during your annual checkup.

      HDL levels are affected by different factors, including diet, exercise and smoking. There are cholesterol medications on the market designed to increase HDL levels, but lifestyle changes should not be overlooked. Consult your doctor for a professional opinion before starting a new diet or exercise plan.

    Heart Attack

    • Although not a direct cause of heart attacks, a low HDL level is common in people who have suffered from them. Heart attack sufferers rarely have a high level of HDL. Raising your HDL level may reduce the risk of heart attack, but studies have only shown a correlative relationship, not a direct cause and effect. Increased HDL levels reduce the prevalence of heart disease overall, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

    Memory

    • Low HDL levels may affect your ability to store information as well. According to The New York Times, a study in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, a journal published by the American Heart Association, tested the memory of subjects over a five-year period. A direct correlation was found between HDL levels and memory performance. Subjects with lower HDL levels performed worse than those with higher HDL levels. Also, subjects whose HDL had lowered during the study also had deteriorated memory abilities compared with previous results.

Cholesterol - Related Articles