Low HDL cholesterol level can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'worrying' to 'serious'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose low HDL cholesterol level, we could:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Birth Control Pill Issues | 93% | Confirm |
Lack Of Exercise | 14% | Unlikely |
Diabetes II | 13% | Unlikely |
Heart Disease | 0% | Ruled out |
A Weight Problem | 0% | Ruled out |
Atherosclerosis | 0% | Ruled out |
Hypothyroidism | 0% | Ruled out |
High LDL/HDL Ratio | 0% | Ruled out |
Cholesterol, HDL. What is your fasting HDL cholesterol level? Unit: mg/dL [mmol/L]
Possible responses:
→ Don't know→ Under 21 [0.54] → 21 to 35 [0.54-0.92] → 36 to 60 [0.93-1.55] (normal) → Over 60 [1.55] |
Elevated levels of HDL cholesterol are generally considered to have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease. However, very elevated levels can be a result of liver disease or chronic intoxication.
Very vigorous exercise and regular long-term heavy aerobic exercise can cause HDL levels to become especially elevated. This is in keeping with the fact that exercise raises HDL levels, and demonstrates that overexertion produces further elevations. It is unlikely that there are any negative effects from this elevation, only cardiovascular benefits.