HDL or high density lipoprotein ("good" cholesterol) helps control LDL or low density lipoprotein ("bad" cholesterol) levels in the body--disrupting the accumulation of LDL as plaque in arteries and helping to move cholesterol to the liver. If blood or serum levels become too low, LDL levels increase.

Normal Cholesterol Levels

Healthy normal levels of HDL in the blood vary by gender. Men should have HDL levels of at least 40 mg/dL or higher. Women should have levels of 50mg/dL or higher. LDL levels should stay around 100 mg/dL or less.

Risks

Low HDL, or abnormally low levels (hypocholesterolemia), in the blood poses an increased risk of heart and other diseases that associated with high LDL levels.

Prevention Levels

HDL levels of 60mg/dL can protect against heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Causes of Low HDL Levels

Although heredity--a person's genetics--influences cholesterol levels in the body, nonrelated health conditions and lifestyle choices often affect levels the most. Malnutrition, intestinal malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease, obesity, high triglyceride levels, certain medications, increased testosterone, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking lower HDL levels.

Methods to Increase HDL Levels

Treatment of health conditions, changes in medication and healthier lifestyle choices increase HDL levels while lowering LDL levels--especially a diet low in saturated fat and 30 minutes or more of exercise daily. Cessation of smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke also lowers LDL levels, triglyceride levels and increases HDL.

Source:

American Heart Association

PDR Network, LLC

National Heart Lung & Blood Institute