A high HDL level tends to remove cholesterol from the arteries, helping to lessen your risk of heart disease. Reducing saturated fatty acids and cholesterol in the diet helps lower LDL-cholesterol levels in your blood, reducing your risk of heart disease. HDLs appear to have a protective effect. You can generally raise HDL levels with exercise. When your blood cholesterol levels are checked at your doctor's office, you can also find out your triglyceride level.
Triglycerides are fat.
Most fat tissue is made of triglycerides, and when fat travels in the blood, it travels as triglycerides. Researchers are not certain that high triglyceride levels are a risk factor for heart disease. However, if levels are high, most doctors will continue to recheck them to see if they come down. In discussing your blood fat profile, your doctor may recommend specific changes in your diet. If so, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian who is qualified to assist you in making changes.