HDL Cholesterol: Normal Range

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps transport excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and artery walls back to the liver, where it's processed and removed.

Reference Ranges

• Poor / risk factor: below 40 mg/dL for men, below 50 mg/dL for women
• Better: 40–59 mg/dL
• Protective: 60 mg/dL or higher

Unlike LDL, higher HDL is generally better — it's one of the few cholesterol numbers where more is favorable rather than a target range to stay under.

What Raises HDL

Regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and losing excess weight can all help raise HDL. Moderate alcohol consumption is sometimes associated with higher HDL, but health authorities including the AHA do not recommend starting or increasing alcohol intake for cardiovascular benefit, since alcohol carries other health risks that outweigh this effect. Genetics also plays a meaningful role — some people naturally run higher or lower regardless of lifestyle.

Why HDL Isn't the Whole Picture

A high HDL doesn't cancel out a high LDL — both numbers, along with triglycerides and total cholesterol, are considered together when assessing cardiovascular risk, not in isolation.