Function

• HDL cholesterol binds with LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad") cholesterol in the bloodstream. Next, it removes the LDL cholesterol by carrying it to the liver to be broken down and removed from the body.
  
  

Amount

• HDL composes roughly 25 to 30 percent of the cholesterol in the bloodstream. HDL percentages lower than this signify potentially bad cardiovascular health, and higher percentages offer increased protection from the negative effects of bad cholesterol (LDL).
  
  

Benefits

• According to the American Heart Association, higher levels of HDL cholesterol have been conclusively shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
  
  

Cause

• People who have higher levels of HDL cholesterol typical eat a healthy diet that contains unsaturated fats such as olive oil and omega-3, along with plentiful servings of fruits and vegetables. Adhering to a regular routine of physical activity also encourages the production of HDL cholesterol.
  
  

Medicine

• Medications designed to lower bad cholesterol sometimes have the positive side effect of increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels. This is often why HDL levels suddenly increase after the start of a cholesterol-lowering medication.
  
  

Overall Health

• High HDL levels signify, above all else, good overall cardiovascular health. To keep HDL levels high, eat a healthy diet and refrain from HDL-lowering actives such as smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.