Question

What level of HDL cholesterol puts a person at high risk for coronary heart disease?

a. <40 mg/dL
b. 30-40 mg/dL
c. 40-50 mg/dL
d. 50-60 mg/dL
e. ≥59 mg/dL

Answer 1

An HDL level lower than 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. HDL serves as a good cholesterol transporter that helps to avoid plaque formation. However, high HDL alone may not protect against heart disease if other risk factors are present.

Step-by-step explanation:

The level of HDL cholesterol that puts a person at high risk for coronary heart disease is < 40 mg/dL for men and <50 mg/dL for women. HDL cholesterol is beneficial because it aids in transporting excess cholesterol back to the liver for recycling, thus preventing plaque buildup and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, it's been noted that simply having high levels of HDL cholesterol may not always decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, as other factors are also involved.

Achieving a balance in cholesterol levels is essential, with a focus on maintaining low levels of LDL (commonly referred to as 'bad cholesterol') and higher levels of HDL ('good cholesterol'). Lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and not smoking, can improve cholesterol profiles and reduce the risk of heart disease.