high-density lipoprotein
A doctor explains a chart showing healthy levels of high-density lipoprotein.
Noun: A type of lipoprotein, a microscopic particle composed of proteins and lipids (fats), that carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver for processing or removal. It is characterized by a high proportion of protein relative to its cholesterol and lipid content. Elevated levels of this particle in the bloodstream are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
"High-density lipoprotein" is a scientific and medical term. It is often used in discussions of blood tests, cholesterol levels, heart health, and cardiovascular risk factors. In common usage, it is frequently abbreviated as HDL.
- A standard blood lipid panel measures your levels of high-density lipoprotein.
- Regular exercise can help raise your high-density lipoprotein, the so-called "good" cholesterol.
- The doctor explained that a high level of high-density lipoprotein is beneficial for arterial health.
- "HDL cholesterol": This common phrase refers specifically to the cholesterol content being carried the high-density lipoprotein particle. It is often used interchangeably with the term "HDL" in medical contexts.
- Your HDL cholesterol level is excellent.
- HDL: The universal abbreviation for high-density lipoprotein.
- My HDL is 65 mg/dL.
- Lipoprotein: The broader category of particles to which HDL belongs. Other types include low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
- Alpha-lipoprotein: An older, less common synonym for high-density lipoprotein.
- Good cholesterol: A common layperson's term for HDL, reflecting its protective role in cardiovascular health.
- HDL cholesterol: As noted above, this is a near-synonym in everyday medical language.
- HDL level: The measured concentration of HDL in the blood.
- She has a high HDL level.
- High HDL: A phrase indicating a desirable, elevated concentration.
- His high HDL offsets his elevated LDL.
- HDL particle: Emphasizes the physical nature of the lipoprotein.
- The function of the HDL particle is reverse cholesterol transport.
A doctor explains a chart showing healthy levels of high-density lipoprotein.
- a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood; composed of a high proportion of protein and relatively little cholesterol; high levels are thought to be associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis