What is HDL cholesterol?

About one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. Medical experts think HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaques and thus slows their growth. HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because a high HDL level seems to protect against heart attack. The opposite is also true: a low HDL level (less than 40 mg/dL) indicates a greater risk. A low HDL cholesterol level also may raise stroke risk.

News

Aug 29 2005 - United Press International
Cholesterol's Role in Heart Attacks Probed

Aug 19 2005 - Reuters Health
Statin Use Linked to Lower Prostate Cancer Risk

Jul 29 2005 - Food and Drug Administration
FDA Alerts U.S. Residents to Recall of Counterfeit "Lipitor" Sold in the United Kingdom