Identification

• In order to understand more about your overall health, you should understand your HDL and LDL numbers. High density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good" cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the "bad" cholesterol.
  
  

Significance

• LDLs carry cholesterol throughout your body; however, if you have too much cholesterol, it can build up and cause problems in your arteries. HDLs help carry the extra cholesterol to the liver, where it is removed from the body.
  
  

Potential

• According to the American Heart Association, a low HDL number of less then 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dl for women can mean you are at a higher risk for heart problems. If your number is over 60 mg/dL, you are at a lower risk, because the HDLs might offer some protection from developing heart disease.
  
  

Warning

• Having a low HDL can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Increasing your HDL also will help you to lower your LDL, which further lowers your risk of heart trouble.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• You can increase your HDL number by following a healthy lifestyle. Start by cutting out trans and saturated fats, making an effort to do moderately active things each day, and losing weight if you are obese.