Having HDL (good cholesterol) below ideal increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, as heart attack and leakage. This is because good cholesterol (HDL) collects the bad cholesterol (LDL) deposited in the blood vessels, preventing the formation of plaques of fat in the wall of the arteries that can cause a clogging of the same (atherosclerosis).
In other words, the HDL cholesterol helps keep arteries open, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Having high levels of HDL can be as important as keeping LDL levels low.
People with good below-normal cholesterol levels should include some changes in lifestyle, such as:
- Exercise regularly;
- Lose weight;
- Do not smoke.
Inadequate feeding, overweight, diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure are some of the factors that increase in bad cholesterol (LDL).
Learn more at: Is High VLDL Cholesterol Dangerous? What are the risks?
It is important to remember that the main determinant of cholesterol levels is the genetic factor. This means that an individual can have a high fat diet and have low bad blood cholesterol levels because their liver is able to eliminate excess properly.
On the other hand, a person with a balanced diet can have high levels of bad cholesterol because their body can not eliminate fats so well. This explains why thin people can also have high cholesterol and not just obese people.
People with below-normal levels of HDL should consult a general practitioner or cardiologist.
See also the articles:
What is the difference between VLDL, LDL and HDL cholesterol?
Low VLDL Cholesterol: What To Do?
How to lower cholesterol?
What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?
What to do in case of high cholesterol?
What are the risks of high cholesterol?
