Final answer:
False, High HDL cholesterol is actually known to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, not increase it, because it helps transport excess cholesterol to the liver for removal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that high HDL cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease is FALSE. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs), commonly referred to as 'good' cholesterol, help to reduce the risk of heart disease. HDLs perform the crucial role of transporting excess cholesterol to the liver, where it can be broken down and removed from the body. This process aids in preventing the buildup of plaque within the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. On the contrary, it is high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), often called 'bad' cholesterol, that contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.