High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as the “good” cholesterol because it helps to remove low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol, from the bloodstream.

This has led to the belief that having high HDL levels is always good for your heart health. However, recent studies have shown that this may not always be the case.

What is HDL?

HDL is a type of cholesterol that helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carry it back to the liver.

This process, known as reverse cholesterol transport, is beneficial as it prevents cholesterol from building up in the arteries and potentially causing heart disease.

Moreover, HDL also has anti-inflammatory properties and is known to help protect against oxidative stress. This further supports the belief that having high HDL levels can improve heart health.

When High HDL Isn’t Good for Your Heart

Although high HDL levels are generally associated with good heart health, recent studies have suggested that it may not always be the case.

One such study, published in The Lancet, found that high HDL levels were associated with an increased risk of heart disease in people with high levels of another type of cholesterol known as triglycerides.

The study found that people with high levels of both HDL and triglycerides had a 36% increased risk of heart disease compared to people with low levels of both.

This suggests that while high HDL levels can be beneficial, they may not offset the negative effects of high triglycerides.

Another study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that people with high HDL levels were not necessarily protected against heart disease.

The study looked at people with a genetic mutation that led to high HDL levels and found that they did not have a lower risk of heart disease compared to people without the mutation.

Why High HDL May Not Always Be Beneficial

The reason why high HDL levels may not always be beneficial is still not entirely clear. However, one theory is that not all HDL particles are created equal. HDL is made up of different subtypes, and some may be more beneficial than others.

Studies have found that people with high levels of smaller HDL particles, which are more efficient at removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, are at a lower risk of heart disease.

On the other hand, people with high levels of larger HDL particles, which are less efficient at removing excess cholesterol, may not be as protected against heart disease.

Additionally, other factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and genetics may also play a role in how beneficial high HDL levels are for heart health.

Conclusion

While high HDL levels are generally considered to be good for heart health, recent studies have suggested that it may not always be the case.

People with high HDL levels and high triglycerides may actually be at an increased risk of heart disease, while people with a genetic mutation that leads to high HDL levels may not have a lower risk of heart disease. The reasons for this are still not entirely clear, but it appears that certain HDL subtypes may be more beneficial than others. Additionally, other factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and genetics may also play a role.