Which data point indicates low protective lipoprotein status in this patient?

Which data point indicates low protective lipoprotein status in this patient?

• A. Total cholesterol 272 mg/dL
• B. HDL cholesterol 30 mg/dL
• C. LDL cholesterol 102 mg/dL
• D. Triglycerides 250 mg/dL

Answer: (B)

HDL cholesterol represents the protective lipoprotein, since HDL is involved in reverse cholesterol transport—removing cholesterol from arteries and carrying it to the liver for excretion. When HDL levels are low, this protective mechanism is diminished, increasing cardiovascular risk. A value of 30 mg/dL is low, signaling reduced protective lipoprotein status. The other lipid values reflect overall lipid burden or other risks (high total cholesterol, LDL around target but not a protective marker, and higher triglycerides), but they do not specifically indicate the status of protective HDL.

HDL cholesterol represents the protective lipoprotein, since HDL is involved in reverse cholesterol transport—removing cholesterol from arteries and carrying it to the liver for excretion. When HDL levels are low, this protective mechanism is diminished, increasing cardiovascular risk. A value of 30 mg/dL is low, signaling reduced protective lipoprotein status.

The other lipid values reflect overall lipid burden or other risks (high total cholesterol, LDL around target but not a protective marker, and higher triglycerides), but they do not specifically indicate the status of protective HDL.