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What Are the Dangers of Low HDL?

Your cholesterol numbers can keep you abreast of your overall health and help your doctor determine if you are at higher risk for certain diseases and conditions. It is important to know your numbers and get them checked regularly.

  1. Identification

    • Your HDL and your LDL are two numbers your doctor is likely to keep an eye on. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein and is considered your "good" cholesterol. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and is considered your "bad" cholesterol.

    Significance

    • Your HDL and your LDL carry fats taken from the food you eat throughout your body. Your LDL is thought to deposit fats in your arteries, while your HDL is thought to move it out of your arteries to your liver, the first step to its way out of your body.

    Warning

    • You may be at risk for heart disease if you smoke.

      The dangers of low HDL are heart disease, heart attack and stroke. You may be at even more risk for these dangers if you also have high blood pressure, diabetes, are overweight or if you smoke.

    Potential

    • Your HDL is considered too low if it is below 40 mg/dL. You are at the highest risk of the dangers caused by low HDL if your number falls within this level. A number between 40 and 60 mg/dL is average, and a number over 60 mg/dL is very good.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Low HDL is dangerous, but it does not have to be permanent. You can do things like exercise, eat healthy, lose body fat and quit smoking in order to help raise your HDL and lower your LDL.

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