Which HDL cholesterol level is considered protective against heart disease?

A high level of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is generally recognized as protective against heart disease. HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol from the arteries and other tissues back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed from the body. This action reduces the buildup of plaque in the arterial walls, which is a contributing factor to cardiovascular diseases.

According to clinical guidelines, an HDL cholesterol level greater than 60 mg/dL is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. This protective effect happens because higher HDL levels enhance the reverse cholesterol transport process, improving overall cholesterol balance and reducing inflammation in the vascular system.

In contrast, levels of HDL less than 40 mg/dL are often associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Therefore, higher HDL levels are favored as indicators of cardiovascular health, making the identification of levels exceeding 60 mg/dL a key target in lipid management and heart disease prevention strategies.