Does high HDL cholesterol increase the risk of coronary heart disease?

High levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are generally associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it plays a crucial role in transporting cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body. This function helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the arterial walls, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Research has shown that higher HDL levels can provide a protective effect against heart disease. Consequently, the notion that high HDL cholesterol would increase the risk of coronary heart disease is inaccurate. Instead, it is low levels of HDL cholesterol that have been linked to an increased risk of CHD, as they fail to adequately remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Thus, stating that high HDL cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease is false, aligning with the understanding that higher HDL levels are beneficial for heart health.