What level of HDL cholesterol is considered a positive risk factor?

A level of HDL cholesterol 60 or above is considered a positive risk factor for cardiovascular health. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream and reduces the risk of heart disease. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

When evaluating cardiovascular health, having HDL levels at or above 60 mg/dL is beneficial. This indicates that the body has effective cholesterol clearing mechanisms in place, contributing to overall heart health. On the other hand, lower levels of HDL cholesterol can increase the risk for heart-related conditions, as they fail to provide adequate protection against the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Thus, while lower or borderline levels indicate increased risk, higher levels, particularly above 60, are a protective factor and considered a positive aspect of lipid profile assessments.