What is HDL and How Does Its Decrease Affect the Heart? Know From Experts

Heart diseases are rapidly increasing in India, and a major cause is the rise in bad cholesterol levels. Due to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle, many Indians have low levels of good cholesterol, known as HDL (High Density Lipoprotein). HDL plays a crucial role in keeping the heart healthy.

What is HDL?

HDL is known as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove bad cholesterol (LDL) from the bloodstream. By carrying bad cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver for elimination, HDL protects the heart and blood vessels.

Dr. Ajit Jain, Cardiologist at Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Delhi, explains that many Indians do not pay enough attention to their health, often consuming fried foods and alcohol excessively. This leads to low HDL levels, which negatively impact heart function.

How Does Low HDL Affect the Heart?

According to the American Heart Association, low HDL levels allow bad cholesterol to build up in the arteries. This accumulation narrows and hardens the arteries, reducing their flexibility and causing blockages that restrict blood flow to the heart. Such blockages increase the risk of heart attacks.

Why Is Low HDL Common Among Indians?

• Unhealthy Eating Habits: Frequent consumption of fried, carbohydrate-heavy, and sugary foods increases triglycerides and lowers HDL.

• Alcohol and Smoking: High intake of alcohol and tobacco promotes the buildup of bad cholesterol.

• Lack of Physical Activity: Sedentary lifestyles with minimal exercise worsen cholesterol balance.

• Obesity & Belly Fat: Visceral fat around the abdomen raises triglycerides and reduces HDL.

• Stress & Poor Sleep: Modern life stress and insufficient rest contribute to cholesterol imbalance.

• Genetics: Some Indians naturally have lower HDL and higher triglycerides, making lifestyle changes even more essential.

Risks of Low HDL

Low HDL combined with high triglycerides causes fat deposits in arteries, leading to blocked blood flow. This can result in heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

How to Improve HDL Levels?

• Walk or practice yoga for 30–45 minutes daily.

• Reduce fried, sugary, and refined foods.

• Include healthy fats like peanuts, almonds, and omega-3 rich foods.

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Manage stress through meditation and ensure adequate sleep.

• Get cholesterol checked every 6 months to monitor levels.