What HDL cholesterol level is considered low and is an additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

A low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level is an important risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Specifically, a level of less than 40 mg/dL is indicative of low HDL and is considered a significant risk factor. Low HDL levels are associated with the inability to adequately transport cholesterol from the arteries and tissues back to the liver for excretion, which can lead to the accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels and subsequently increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.

In this context, recognizing that a level of less than 40 mg/dL is a red flag for clinicians is crucial for cardiovascular risk assessment. Therefore, anyone whose HDL cholesterol reading falls below this threshold should be monitored closely and encouraged to make lifestyle changes or consider medications to elevate their cholesterol levels, ultimately contributing to better cardiovascular health.