HDL-C

HDL-C, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a biomarker that indicates levels of "good" cholesterol in your blood and is important for assessing cardiovascular health risks.

Indexed studies show that higher HDL-C levels are generally associated with lower risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between HDL-C and heart health can be complex; while elevated HDL-C often signifies reduced atherogenic risk, its role might not always translate to direct protective benefits against heart conditions. The ratio of triglycerides to HDL-C (TG/HDL-C) is also considered a useful marker for predicting cardiovascular issues.

This biomarker connects strongly with metabolic syndrome and inflammation markers like hs-CRP. Understanding how HDL-C interacts with these factors can provide deeper insights into overall health risks.

Evidence quality varies, and more research is needed to fully understand the nuances of HDL-C's role in cardiovascular health.

Sources

• The Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) Ratio as a Risk Marker for Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease. (PMID:36900073)
• HDL-C: Helpful, harmful, hopeful, or guilty by association. (PMID:41206231)
• Rethinking HDL-C: An In-Depth Narrative Review of Its Role in Cardiovascular Health. (PMID:37852560)
• ApoB, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C as markers of cardiovascular risk. (PMID:40681368)
• The plasma parameter log (TG/HDL-C) as an atherogenic index: correlation with lipoprotein particle size and esterification rate in apoB-lipoprotein-depleted plasma (FER(HDL)). (PMID:11738396)
• Hs-CRP/HDL-C ratio as a predictive inflammatory-lipid marker for sarcopenia: evidence from NHANES 2015-2018. (PMID:40672942)

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