The levels of HDL and LDL in the blood are measured to evaluate the risk of atherosclerosis. As a rule, women have higher HDL levels than men. The female sex hormone estrogen tends to raise HDL, which may help to explain why pre-menopausal women are usually protected from developing heart disease. Estrogen production is highest during the childbearing years. As people tend to get older or fatter or both, their triglyceride and cholesterol levels tend to rise.
Women also tend to have higher triglyceride levels.
An elevated blood triglyceride level and lower HDL are often accompanied by an increase in LDL and total cholesterol. However, some people with this problem seem remarkably free from atherosclerosis. Thus elevated triglycerides, which are often measured along with HDL and LDL, may not directly cause atherosclerosis. But they may accompany other abnormalities that speed its development. High levels are a large contributing factor in clogging arteries.