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HDL Cholesterol

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is sometimes called "good" cholesterol, because it helps move cholesterol out of the body. HDL does this by binding with cholesterol in the bloodstream and carrying it back to the liver for disposal.

A high HDL level is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerCarl Orringer, MD - Cardiology, Clinical Lipidology
Last RevisedAugust 10, 2011

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 10, 2011
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