What HDL level is considered an increased risk for women?

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. For women, an HDL level of less than 50 mg/dl is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This threshold is significant because lower levels of HDL have been linked to a higher risk of heart issues, as HDL is protective against the buildup of cholesterol in arteries.

Maintaining higher HDL levels is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risks. Women typically have higher HDL levels than men, making it even more critical for them to maintain HDL above this specific threshold to ensure their heart health. Therefore, an HDL level under 50 mg/dl suggests that a woman is not only at increased risk for heart disease but may also face other associated health challenges.

The other options reflect levels that do not indicate the same level of concern. For instance, levels below 60 mg/dl could represent a risk but are less indicative when considering a specific benchmark for women. Thus, the value of 50 mg/dl serves as a crucial cutoff point, with below this level being a clear mark for increased risk.