What Are Normal Hdl Levels?

What are normal HDL levels is a question more and more people seem to be asking these days in spite of the media advertising blitz targeting it distant cousin LDL. Both HDL and LDL are what are known as lipoprotein carriers, and their job is to transport those much maligned cholesterol molecules around our bodies. Kind of the bodies idea of a free cab ride for the homeless.

But as far as cardiovascular health goes there is little doubt that these two lipoproteins are about as different as night and day, with one (LDL) supplying the cholesterol necessary for the formation of arterial plaque deposits in our arteries, and the other (HDL) collecting excess cholesterol and disposing of it through excretion. So as you can see it no wonder that trying to find out what are normal HDL levels has become quite the popular topic in recent years.

Why the big secret?

The simple answer is that it is much easier, and much more lucrative, for major advertising campaigns to focus on bad cholesterol. Add to this the fact that there really aren’t any prescription medications shown to significantly raise good cholesterol (HDL) and you have a formula that is sure to keep those wondering what are normal HDL cholesterol levels in the dark for years to come.

What are normal HDL cholesterol levels?
According to the American Medical Association between 50 and 60 milligrams per deciliter of blood is considered normal with a reading of 60 milligrams for every deciliter of blood being considered healthy.

There is also another reading which many cardiologists gauge cholesterol health by known as the cardiac risk factor ratios. These ratios tell the doctor whether cholesterol is being deposited into the tissue, or being broken down and excreted.

A healthy cardiac risk factor ratio for total cholesterol to HDL should be no higher than 4 to 1 to be considered healthy, and the ratio of bad cholesterol (LDL) to good cholesterol (HDL) should be no higher than 2.5 to 1.

The above ratios should shed a great deal of light as to what are normal HDL cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor to find out what ratios are right for you.

What Else? Bringing HDL and LDL into balance, in most cases, is about changing old habits, adopting new healthier habits, and enlisting the help of convention medications such as statins or natural cholesterol reducing remedies if needed.

Certainly the aforementioned statin drugs will be one of your options but they do carry a number of serious label warnings and really don’t do much for HDL either (5 to 10 percent increase). The side effect risks along with their limited value in improving good cholesterol levels have made natural cholesterol reduction supplements, combined with diet modification, weight management, and exercise, a safe and effective all natural combination worth considering for achieving cholesterol health.

By: R.D. Hawkins

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R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. To learn more about HDL cholesterol and natural cholesterol supplement for better cardiovascular health Click Here