1. What is HDL Cholesterol?

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the rearranged formula:

Where:

• \( HDL \) — HDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( TC \) — Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( LDL \) — LDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( TG \) — Triglycerides (mg/dL)

Explanation: This formula rearranges the standard Friedewald equation to calculate HDL cholesterol when other lipid parameters are known.

3. Importance of HDL Calculation

Details: Monitoring HDL levels is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. HDL helps transport cholesterol from arteries to the liver for removal, reducing plaque buildup and heart disease risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in mg/dL. All values must be valid positive numbers. This calculation is most accurate when triglyceride levels are below 400 mg/dL.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is HDL called "good cholesterol"?
A: HDL helps remove LDL (bad) cholesterol from arteries and transports it to the liver for processing and removal from the body.

Q2: What are optimal HDL levels?
A: For men: 40 mg/dL or higher; For women: 50 mg/dL or higher. Levels above 60 mg/dL are considered protective against heart disease.

Q3: When should lipid levels be measured?
A: Fasting for 9-12 hours before testing provides the most accurate results, especially for triglyceride measurements.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This formula may be less accurate when triglyceride levels exceed 400 mg/dL or in certain medical conditions affecting lipid metabolism.

Q5: How can I increase my HDL levels?
A: Regular exercise, healthy fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts), quitting smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption may help raise HDL levels.