HDL Cholesterol
Cholesterol content of high-density lipoproteins, historically considered "good cholesterol" because of inverse epidemiologic association with cardiovascular disease, now understood as functional rather than concentration-dependent.
Also: HDL-C, High-density lipoprotein cholesterol
HDL participates in reverse cholesterol transport from periphery to liver and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Genetic and pharmacologic HDL-raising trials (CETP inhibitors) have not reduced cardiovascular events, undermining a simple "raise HDL-C" target. Current thinking emphasizes HDL function (cholesterol efflux capacity) over HDL-C level. Very low or very high HDL-C are both associated with worse outcomes (U-shaped).
How each textbook covers it
duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 67: Coronary Heart Disease and Lipoprotein Disorders
HDL participates in reverse cholesterol transport from periphery to liver and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Genetic and pharmacologic HDL-raising trials (CETP inhibitors) have not reduced cardiovascular events, undermining a simple "raise HDL-C" target. Current thinking emphasizes HDL function (cholesterol efflux capacity) over HDL-C level. Very low or very high HDL-C are both associated with worse outcomes (U-shaped).
Related terms
Cardiovascular disease, LDL, Lipoprotein