NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What is the optimal HDL cholesterol level?

1. Under 40

2. Over 60

3. Between 40 and 60

4. Exactly 50

The correct answer is: Over 60

The optimal HDL cholesterol level is considered to be over 60 mg/dL. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. A higher level of HDL cholesterol is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, as it is involved in transporting cholesterol away from arteries and back to the liver, where it is processed and removed from the body. Having HDL levels above 60 mg/dL is seen as protective and beneficial for heart health. In contrast, levels below 40 mg/dL are considered low and can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, maintaining HDL cholesterol at a higher level is recommended for overall cardiovascular wellness. The other options do not reflect the ideal health recommendations. Levels under 40 are deemed a risk factor for heart disease, while levels between 40 and 60 do not provide the same protective cardiovascular benefits associated with higher HDL levels. The specificity of “exactly 50” does not account for the fact that cholesterol levels can vary widely among individuals and that a range rather than a single number is often considered in health assessments.