What is the minimum HDL cholesterol level considered low?

The minimum HDL cholesterol level considered low is 40 mg/dL. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as the "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream. Generally, an HDL level below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women is considered low and associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

A level of 40 mg/dL is significant because it serves as a threshold that health professionals monitor when assessing an individual’s cardiovascular health. When HDL levels are low, it can indicate a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases since HDL plays a protective role in heart health by transporting cholesterol to the liver for elimination.