HDL Full Form

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is classified as one of the five major groups of lipoproteins which are composed of lipid (fat) and protein. It is the lipoproteins that are responsible for transporting all fat molecules around the body within the water outside cells. While circulating in the blood, the particles of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) enlarge leading to the aggregation of more fat molecules and transportation of around hundreds of fat molecules per particle. 

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol because it is responsible for carrying cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver which then removes the cholesterol from the body of an individual. 

Increased concentration of HDL particles is associated with reducing the accumulation of atherosclerosis within the walls of arteries which further reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, vascular diseases, sudden plaque ruptures, strokes, and many other life-threatening diseases. The main function of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is to transport fat molecules out of the artery walls, reduce the accumulation of macrophages, and thus, regress or prevent atherosclerosis.

Structure and Function of HDL

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is the smallest of all five groups of lipoprotein particles with a size ranging from 5 to 17 nm. Now that it contains the highest proportion of protein to lipids, HDL is the densest lipoprotein. Apo A-I and Apo A-II are the two most abundant apolipoproteins of HDL. According to scientific studies, Apo A-I Milano, a rare genetic variant is documented as the most effective in both protecting against and regressing atherosclerosis, an arterial disease.

Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), a plasma enzyme is responsible for converting free cholesterol into cholesteryl ester which is further sequestered into the core of lipoprotein particles and eventually causes the High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) assuming the spherical shape. 

As HDL circulates through the blood, it incorporates more cholesterol from the cells of the entire body and transports the same to the liver or steroidogenic organs like the ovary, adrenals, and testes using direct or indirect pathways. The cholesterol transported to the liver is then excreted into the bile and hence, the intestine. 

Increasing the level of HDL

In case the levels of HDL are low in the body of an individual, lifestyle changes might help. The below-mentioned are some changes that not only increase the level of HDL but also may help prevent other diseases:

• Eat a healthy diet: Consuming good fats instead of bad fats is the best one can do to increase the level of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in the body. This implies that an individual must avoid or limit the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats including full-fat milk, cheese, fried foods, high-fat meat, foods made with butter or lard, processed foods, etc. instead, consume unsaturated fats including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and vegetable oils. Always try to eat natural food which is high in fiber and limits carbohydrates, especially sugar.

• Maintain a healthy weight: One of the most efficient ways to increase the levels of HDL is to lose a considerable amount of weight, especially when there are lots of fats around the waist of an individual. Maintaining a healthy weight is key to increasing the levels of HDL in the body.

• Regular exercise: Exercising regularly helps in increasing the levels of HDL to a great extent. Not only does it elevates the HDL levels but also lowers the LDL levels. It is recommended to do moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.

• Avoid cigarettes: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoking is another reason why the level of HDL reduces in the body. If an individual is a habitual smoker, it is suggested to quit smoking and also avoid secondhand smoke.

• Limit the consumption of alcohol: Moderate to high consumption of alcohol significantly reduces the levels of HDL. But there are no scientific results to prove this theory yet. It is known that too much consumption of alcohol makes one gain weight which further reduces the HDL level in the body.

Conclusion 

HDL stands for High-Density Lipoprotein which is known as ‘good’ cholesterol. With HDL cholesterol, higher levels are better because increased levels of HDL further reduce the risk of coronary artery diseases and strokes. The main function of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is transporting the cholesterol from the other parts of the body to the liver which further excretes the bad cholesterol from the body. It is a healthy diet, regular exercise, non-consumption of alcohol, etc that helps in maintaining high HDL levels.