an elevated hdl is considered a

What Causes Low HDL Cholesterol Levels?Can HDL cholesterol levels be too high? Can HDL be too high? High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) is often known as "good" cholesterol because it helps to eliminate other harmful forms of cholesterol from your blood. It is usually thought that the highest HDL levels are, better. In most people, this is true. But some research shows that high HDL can be harmful in certain people. Typically, doctors recommend a HDL level of 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood or higher. HDL falling within the range of 40 to 59 mg/dL is normal, but it could be higher. Having HDL low 40 mg/dL increases the risk of developing heart disease. Research published by the journal found that people with high levels of C-reactive proteins after having had a heart attack can process HDL in a negative way. Reactive proteins C are produced by your liver in response to high levels of inflammation in your body. Instead of acting as a protective factor in heart health, high HDL levels in these people could increase the risk of heart disease. While your levels may still be in the normal range, your body can process HDL differently if you have this type of inflammation. The study examined the blood of 767 non-diabetic people who had recently had a heart attack. They used the data to predict the results of the study participants and found that those with high levels of HDL and C reactive proteins were a particularly high risk group for heart disease. Ultimately, more research is needed to determine the high HDL risks in this particular group of people. Other conditions and medications associated with HDLHigh HDL are also linked to other conditions, including: Sometimes medications to control cholesterol can also raise HDL levels. These are usually taken to lower LDL levels, triglycerid and total cholesterol. The types of medicines that have been related to the increase in HDL levels include: The increase in HDL levels is usually a positive side effect in people who have low HDL levels as in most cases, decreases their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. A blood test can determine your HDL levels. In addition to an HDL test, your doctor will also look for LDL and triglycerides as part of a total. Their total levels will also be measured. Results usually take a few days to process. Certain factors can influence the results of your test. Talk to your doctor if:All these factors can lead to inaccurate measurements of HDL in your blood. You may need to wait several weeks before taking a cholesterol test to make sure the results are correct. In most people, high HDL is not harmful, so it does not necessarily require treatment. The action plan depends to a large extent on how high their levels are, as well as on their general medical history. Your doctor may help determine whether you need to actively lower HDL levels or not. Cholesterol levels in general may be reduced by:He recommends that all over 20 years get a cholesterol test every four to six years. You may need to try more often if you have risk factors for high cholesterol, such as family history. More research is needed to understand more closely how high HDL can be harmful in certain people. If you have a personal or family history of high cholesterol levels or C-reactive proteins, talk to your doctor about the steps you can take to regularly monitor your HDL levels. Q: I've had a heart attack in the last year. Should I be worried about my HDL levels? A:Your HDL level is an important part of your cardiovascular risk, and you should definitely consult your doctor about it. If your HDL levels are below the levels recommended by the American Heart Association, your doctor may be able to prescribe new medicines or adjust your existing medicines to help increase and reduce your cardiovascular risk. Last medical review on March 27, 2017Read this following

Can my HDL be too high? Many people think of cholesterol as something that should be as low as possible. After all, high cholesterol is a well-documented risk factor for heart disease. Tens of millions of Americans take drugs that lower cholesterol or should take them, according to . However, levels are more complicated than that. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), often known as "good" cholesterol, is actually beneficial to the heart. In this article, we examine whether HDL cholesterol can be too high or not. We also take a look at healthy levels, and what can happen if HDL falls out of this range. There are two main types of cholesterol in the body, and only one of them is generally considered a risk to the health of the heart. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) contributes to the accumulation of fat that can block the arteries. When this accumulation obstructs or narrows the arteries, or is more likely to occur. With LDL cholesterol, lower is better. HDL cholesterol is useful for the heart. HDL cholesterol can remove LDL cholesterol from the blood and transport it to the liver, where it can be processed and removed. A higher HDL number is desirable because it usually indicates a lower risk of . If HDL protects the heart, should it be as high as possible? The answer may depend on several factors. Most people will find that their HDL cholesterol does not go up to levels that are considered to be "too high." Although no higher limit has been established, HDL cholesterol does not naturally elevate to high unhealthy levels in people with normal cholesterol processing and metabolism. In rare cases, however, HDL cholesterol can become too high. in Science magazine discusses a rare genetic variant that can cause exceptionally high HDL levels. The genetic variant alters the way HDL works in the body, and can increase the risk of heart disease. The variant is found in a specific molecule known as SR-BI. The mutation in the SR-BI causes increases in HDL levels and increased risk of heart disease. The people studied had HDL levels above 95 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). These levels are abnormally high. Researchers found that some of the people in their study had this rare genetic defect. He discovered that people who recently had a heart attack and who have high HDL levels and high levels of a substance called C reactive protein were at greater risk of having another heart event. The C-reactive protein is produced by the liver when it occurs in the body. In the Circulation it was found that a defect in a specific protein known as cholesterol steer transfer protein (CETP) can also cause abnormally high HDL levels and a higher risk of heart disease. The study was large but only looked at the Caucasians. He found that the CETP defect increased the risk of heart disease in women but not in men. In addition, cholesterol balance can be an important factor to consider, according to a review in . A study mentioned in this test analyzes a large group of men and women who had varying HDL levels. They found that those with high or low HDL levels "extreme" had a higher risk of death than those with more moderate levels. The best levels, according to this study, are 73 mg/dL in men and 93 mg/dL in women. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all people over 20 years of age get at least one cholesterol test. On the other hand, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends the detection of cholesterol disorders from the age of 20 if . However, they are not just adults who are being checked by high cholesterol today. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children receive a cholesterol test. AAP says that this recommendation is due to growing childhood in the United States. Children with risk factors, such as the family history of high cholesterol, should be tested between 2 and 10 years. Cholesterol tests measure the amount of cholesterol in mg/dL. Most tests show HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol (sound). Total cholesterol score is a person's HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and 20% of their triglyceride level added together. The AHA no longer publishes specific cholesterol ranges and says that these numbers are not the final word about heart disease risk. Instead, cholesterol levels are only one of many factors to consider. A range of "desirable" cholesterol, says AHA, may vary from one person to the next. What is desirable will depend on other elements such as triglycerides, other existing health conditions, lifestyle and family history of heart disease. For an idea where cholesterol numbers should be, they have published the following cholesterol guidelines. These numbers should be discussed with a doctor to determine the total risk of heart disease. Total cholesterol level CategoryMore than 200 mg/dLDesirable200-239 mg/dLBorderin high240 mg/dL and highest level of high cholesterolLDCategoryLeasts of 100 mg/dLOptimal100-129 mg/dL Optimal breasts - over optimal130-159 mg/dLBorderin high160-189 mg/dLHigh190 mg/dLegory LThe higher The state of AHA that heart disease represents in the US More than 30 million Americans have cholesterol levels that are too high (up 240 mg/dL), . More than 73 million have high LDL levels, and less than one third of them are taking steps to reduce it. Knowing the cholesterol level and taking measures to reach or maintain ideal levels are the best ways to ensure that HDL and LDL levels are healthy. Other risk factors for heart disease, such as age, weight, diet and activity level, and lifestyle factors, should also be considered. To reach healthy cholesterol levels, experts recommend: If HDL levels are abnormally high (more than 90 mg/dL), people should consider tests to look for genetic problems or other risk factors for heart disease. High cholesterol can be caused by genetics. Even people who follow a healthy lifestyle may need additional help to reach healthy levels. If a doctor prescribes cholesterol medications, they should be taken exactly as indicated. In addition, other health conditions, such as or , should be properly addressed by a health care team. Cholesterol is an important indicator of the risk of heart disease, and regular checks are important. Although high-end HDL levels are rare, they may be of concern in some cases. People with abnormally high HDL or LDL levels may need additional tests and care to control and monitor heart health. Fortunately, high cholesterol is usually a manageable condition that can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medications when needed. Last medical review on September 6, 2017Most recent newsRelated coverage

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