What Causes Low HDL Cholesterol Level?

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.

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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:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "low HDL cholesterol level" as a symptom. Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):

A Weight Problem
Diabetes II
Lack Of Exercise
Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis
Hypothyroidism
Birth Control Pill Issues
High LDL/HDL Ratio

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

possible stress-induced arthritis

very high LDL cholesterol level

tonsils/adenoids out before age 20

high LDL cholesterol level

2hr postprandial glucose > 250mg%

no vitamin C supplementation

difficulty losing weight

having high percentage body fat

high diastolic blood pressure

minor swelling at front of neck

hiccups

high processed meat consumption

... and more than 110 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of low HDL cholesterol level:

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

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate having had recent lab tests, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

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]

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate very low HDL cholesterol level, low HDL cholesterol level, average HDL cholesterol level or excellent HDL cholesterol level, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Alcohol-related Problems

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.

Atherosclerosis

Birth Control Pill Issues

Coronary Disease / Heart Attack

Diabetes Type II

Hypothyroidism

LDL/HDL Ratio, High

Problems Associated With Lack Of Exercise

Problems Caused By Being Overweight

Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome

The Effects Of Overtraining

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.

... and also rule out issues such as:

Atherosclerosis

Coronary Disease / Heart Attack

Diabetes Type II

Hypothyroidism

Problems Caused By Being Overweight

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™