Study challenges 'good cholesterol's' role in universally predicting heart disease risk

Researchers studied about 23,900 Black and White adults who did not have heart disease at the start. They compared HDL cholesterol, often called good cholesterol, with people’s chances of having a heart attack or developing heart disease over several years. Lower HDL was linked with higher heart disease risk in White adults, but not in Black adults. Higher HDL was not linked with lower risk in either group. This was an observational study, so it could show connections but not prove that HDL itself causes or prevents heart disease.

What this means for you: Do not buy supplements or try to raise HDL on its own. Doctors should look at your full risk picture, especially LDL cholesterol, often called bad cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and family history.