Which statement describes HDL level threshold for cardioprotection?

Which statement describes HDL level threshold for cardioprotection?

• A. <40 mg/dL is cardioprotective
• B. 50–60 mg/dL is cardioprotective
• C. 70 mg/dL or higher is cardioprotective
• D. ≥60 mg/dL is cardioprotective

Answer: (D)

HDL, the “good” cholesterol, supports heart health by taking cholesterol away from arterial walls and carrying it to the liver for disposal, plus it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Because of these actions, higher HDL levels are consistently associated with lower risk of coronary disease. The statement that describes cardioprotection refers to HDL being protective when it reaches the high end of the normal range, which aligns with how guidelines and research view the protective threshold. Lower HDL levels don’t confer that protective effect as reliably, and while very high HDL is not harmful, the established practical takeaway is that the protection is most evident when HDL is in the upper range.

HDL, the “good” cholesterol, supports heart health by taking cholesterol away from arterial walls and carrying it to the liver for disposal, plus it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Because of these actions, higher HDL levels are consistently associated with lower risk of coronary disease. The statement that describes cardioprotection refers to HDL being protective when it reaches the high end of the normal range, which aligns with how guidelines and research view the protective threshold. Lower HDL levels don’t confer that protective effect as reliably, and while very high HDL is not harmful, the established practical takeaway is that the protection is most evident when HDL is in the upper range.