What is the optimal level for good cholesterol (HDL) in mg/dl?

The optimal level for good cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), is considered to be 60 mg/dl or higher. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, as HDL helps to transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed from the body. This protective role of HDL in cardiovascular health makes a level of 60 mg/dl or above desirable.

While levels between 40 and 60 mg/dl are acceptable and indicate some level of protective effect, they do not provide the same degree of risk reduction as levels of 60 mg/dl or higher. Levels under 40 mg/dl are considered undesirable and represent a higher risk for heart disease. Levels of 100 mg/dl or higher, while theoretically beneficial, are not practical or commonly achievable and do not represent a standard benchmark for health assessments. Thus, maintaining HDL cholesterol at 60 mg/dl or higher is the guideline for optimal health outcomes.

Understanding these levels is crucial for promoting cardiovascular wellness and for individuals to know where their HDL levels stand in relation to their overall health.