Normal >60 optimal mg/dL Indications Monitor risks of heart disease Description Cholesterol is transported via lipoproteins. There are multiple types of lipoproteins and they each have slightly different functions: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). HDL cholesterol is considered the good cholesterol because it travels through the blood picking up extra cholesterol and taking it back to the liver. What would cause increased levels? Familial HDL Lipoproteinemia Exercise Unsaturated fats: Mono- Poly- Hypothyroid What would cause decreased levels? Metabolic Syndrome Hepatocellular disease: Hepatitis Cirrhosis Hypoproteinemia: Nephrotic Syndrome Malnutrition Smoking High saturated and trans fat diets Excess body weight Hyperthyroid