HDL Cholesterol of 64 mg/dL is Excellent and Protective
An HDL cholesterol level of 64 mg/dL is well above the threshold for cardiovascular risk and is considered optimal—no intervention is needed for this HDL level.
Understanding HDL Thresholds
Your HDL level of 64 mg/dL exceeds all guideline-defined thresholds for low HDL cholesterol:
- Low HDL is defined as <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women 1
- The 2012 European guidelines specifically note that HDL <40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) in men and <45 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/L) in women indicates increased cardiovascular risk 1
- Your level of 64 mg/dL places you well into the protective range
Clinical Significance
HDL cholesterol shows a strong inverse relationship with coronary artery disease risk 2. At your level:
- You are not at increased cardiovascular risk from your HDL 1
- This level is associated with lower likelihood of developing coronary disease, even if other cholesterol parameters are elevated 2
- HDL ≥60 mg/dL is actually counted as a negative risk factor in cardiovascular risk calculations, meaning it reduces your overall risk score 1
Important Context About HDL
While your HDL level is favorable, modern evidence has refined our understanding:
- HDL is a risk marker, not a treatment target 1, 3
- Recent research shows that pharmacologically raising HDL does not reduce cardiovascular events 3
- The focus should remain on LDL cholesterol as the primary treatment target 1
- Low HDL (<40 mg/dL) warrants investigation for metabolic disorders, but high HDL like yours requires no specific intervention 3
What Matters More
Rather than focusing on your excellent HDL level, ensure attention to:
- LDL cholesterol targets based on your cardiovascular risk category 1
- Triglyceride levels (should be <150 mg/dL) 1
- Non-HDL cholesterol if triglycerides are elevated 1
- Overall cardiovascular risk assessment including blood pressure, diabetes status, and smoking 1
Maintaining Your HDL Level
Your HDL can be maintained through:
- Smoking cessation if applicable 1, 4
- Regular physical activity (30-60 minutes most days) 1
- Weight management if overweight 1
- Moderate alcohol consumption (if you drink) 1
Bottom line: Your HDL of 64 mg/dL is protective and requires no intervention—focus should be on other cardiovascular risk factors if present.