1. About.com
  2. Health
  3. Cholesterol

Discuss in my forum

High Density Lipoproteins

By , About.com Guide

Updated September 26, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: High density lipoproteins, also known as HDL, are molecules consisting of cholesterol and protein that carry cholesterol back from tissues or organs to the liver, where cholesterol will be degraded or recycled.

HDL is also known as the "good cholesterol", because it removes excess cholesterol from circulation.

Also Known As: HDL, good cholesterol
Common Misspellings: high density lipoprotien

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.