Definition

Noun: A type of cholesterol carried in the blood by high-density lipoproteins (HDL). It is often called the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting them to the liver for processing and removal. A higher level of HDL cholesterol in the blood is associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease.

Usage

HDL cholesterol is a specific, measurable component of a blood lipid panel. It is discussed in medical contexts concerning heart health, diet, and exercise. - It is typically quantified in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). - Doctors often advise patients to raise their HDL cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Regular exercise can help increase your HDL cholesterol.
  • The lab results showed her HDL cholesterol level was excellent.
  • A diet rich in healthy fats may improve your HDL cholesterol.

Advanced Usage

• "HDL-C": A common medical abbreviation for HDL cholesterol used in clinical reports and research.
  • The study focused on the relationship between HDL-C levels and arterial health.

Variants and Related Words

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): The actual particle that carries HDL cholesterol through the blood. While related, "HDL" refers to the lipoprotein particle itself, whereas "HDL cholesterol" refers to the cholesterol content within those particles.
• Non-HDL cholesterol: A calculated value representing the total cholesterol minus the HDL cholesterol, considered a marker for "bad" cholesterol.
• Cholesterol: A waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. HDL cholesterol is one specific type.

Synonyms

• Good cholesterol: The common, non-technical synonym for HDL cholesterol.
• Alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol: A less common technical term.

Antonyms

• LDL cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol, which can build up in artery walls.
• Bad cholesterol: A common, non-technical term for LDL and VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

Related Phrases

• HDL level: Refers to the measurement of HDL cholesterol in the blood.
  • Your HDL level is a key factor in your heart disease risk.
• Ratio of total cholesterol to HDL: An important cardiac risk indicator.
  • A lower ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is better for heart health.

Noun

1. the cholesterol in high-density lipoproteins; the `good' cholesterol; a high level in the blood is thought to lower the risk of coronary artery disease