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Symptoms of Low HDL Levels

HDL, which stands for "high-density lipoprotein," is considered the "good" cholesterol. HDL is believed to aid in the transfer of cholesterol from the arteries to the liver for excretion, helping protect against heart attacks. There are no outward symptoms of low HDL levels.

  1. Definition

    • Desirable HDL levels are above 60 mg/dL. For men, a level below 40 mg/dL is considered low. For women, a level below 50 mg/dL is considered low.

    Identification

    • HDL levels are determined by a blood test that measures cholesterol levels, known as a lipid panel. This is the definitive method of determining HDL levels.

    Effects

    • Low HDL levels also usually indicate higher levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Abnormal cholesterol levels can indicate underlying high blood pressure, high blood-sugar levels, metabolic syndrome, and they can lead to cardiovascular issues, such as angina, heart attack or stroke.

    Expert Insight

    • A study published in the July 1,2008, issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, suggests that low HDL levels may also contribute to memory loss. The HDL cholesterol levels of the study's participants were measured and they were given short-term verbal memory tests between 1995 and 1997 and again between 2002 and 2004. The study found that the participants whose HDL levels decreased between the tests had a 61 percent increased risk of declining ability to remember words.

    Risk Factors

    • People who smoke, are overweight or lead sedentary lives are more likely to have low HDL levels. It is recommended to quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight and get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

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