What HDL cholesterol level is considered high and protective against coronary heart disease (CHD)?

A high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL or greater is recognized as high and offers protective benefits against coronary heart disease (CHD). HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease.

Research indicates that levels of HDL at or above 60 mg/dL can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, making it a desirable target in cholesterol management for individuals, particularly those at risk for cardiovascular conditions. This is why the identification of 60 mg/dL as a protective threshold is widely accepted in clinical practice. Other HDL levels are lower and may not confer the same protective effects, which is why they do not align with the criteria for being considered "high" or protective in relation to CHD.