Results usually take just a few days to process. All these factors can lead to inaccurate measurements of HDL in the blood. You may need to wait several weeks before taking a cholesterol test to make sure the results are correct. The action plan depends largely on how high your levels are, as well as your overall medical history. Your doctor can help determine whether you need to actively lower HDL levels or not.
The American Heart Association recommends that everyone over the age of 20 gets a cholesterol test every four to six years. You may need to test more frequently if you have risk factors for high cholesterol, such as family history.
More research is needed to further understand how high HDL can be harmful in certain people. If you have a personal or family history of either high cholesterol levels or C-reactive proteins, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to regularly monitor your HDL levels.
HDL cholesterol removes extra cholesterol and plaque buildup in your arteries. We explain what healthy cholesterol levels are for adults and children. Also, learn about lifestyle changes and medications to help lower your….
Cholesterol ratio can give you additional information about your heart disease risk. Learn what your numbers mean and how to use them to tailor your….
High cholesterol levels can stem from your diet, especially if you eat foods high in saturated fats, like red meat and butter. Sometimes, though, your…. The liver produces and clears cholesterol in the body. A heart-healthy diet is vital to lowering LDL cholesterol , and you have a variety of choices, including vegan , DASH Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension , and the Mediterranean diet , a favorite for its ease and inclusion of popular foods.
In a Spanish trial lasting almost five years, researchers found that people who consumed a traditional Mediterranean diet, which includes olive oil and nuts, saw a 30 percent reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease compared with participants who were simply advised to follow a low-fat plan.
This was true even among older people and those who were treating a variety of heart risk factors — elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes — with medication. And even though participants were not calorie-restricted, they did not gain weight on the plan, according to the results published in Advances in Nutrition in May By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. Health Tools. High Cholesterol. Reviewed: August 9, Medically Reviewed. In , some researchers found that people who had recently had a heart attack with high levels of both HDL and a substance called C-reactive protein were at higher risk of having another cardiac event.
The liver produces C-reactive protein when inflammation occurs in the body. Some experts believe that, in certain conditions, HDL particles may take on inflammatory properties rather than protecting a person from inflammation.
The authors of a review note that the protective features of HDL depend not only on how much HDL is present but also on the way it behaves in the body. A study with the same lead author suggested that functionality — how HDL works — could be even more significant than circulating HDL levels. A research article discusses a rare genetic change that may cause exceptionally high HDL levels.
It occurs in a molecule known as SR-BI. The change affects the way HDL works in the body, and it can lead to high levels of HDL and an increased risk of heart disease. Some participants with these high levels had this rare genetic feature. While researchers continue to investigate this field, experts still recommend focusing on managing the known risks for cardiovascular disease, including reducing LDL levels. The first step to healthy cholesterol levels is for people to take a test and discuss the results with a doctor, who will also consider their individual risk factors.
The CDC advises most adults to have a cholesterol test every 4—6 years but more often if they have diabetes, heart disease, or a family history of high cholesterol. The CDC also recommends testing for children at some time between the ages of 9 and 11 years and again at 17—21 years. The CDC lists desirable levels as follows:. However, various factors will affect what is healthy for each person.
A doctor will work with the individual to make a plan for maintaining or establishing suitable levels. Learn more here about cholesterol testing. For most people, current guidelines recommend maximizing HDL levels, preferably through lifestyle measures.
To achieve and maintain moderate levels, experts recommend:. Learn about nine ways to boost your HDL cholesterol levels here. In some cases, a doctor may recommend medication, such as statin therapy. Specific medications can address high cholesterol levels due to inherited genetic changes. If a doctor prescribes medication, the person should take it as directed.
If they wish to stop using the drug, they should first speak with a doctor. The person may also need support for other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
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