In lipid management, what is the HDL goal?

• A. HDL >60 mg/dL
• B. HDL >30 mg/dL
• C. HDL >50 mg/dL
• D. HDL >40 mg/dL

Answer: (D)

HDL is the “good” cholesterol, and higher levels help remove cholesterol from arterial walls, reducing atherogenic risk. Because of this protective role, a practical goal in lipid management is to keep HDL above 40 mg/dL. Levels at or below this point are associated with higher cardiovascular risk, while higher levels confer added protection. While some populations may benefit from even higher targets (for example, women often have higher HDL and guidelines sometimes advocate aiming higher in certain groups), the commonly used general target in many questions and guidelines is greater than 40 mg/dL. The other options either set a too-low threshold or imply a higher target that isn’t universally established as the standard goal.