What does a HDL cholesterol level of 65 mg/dL indicate?

A HDL cholesterol level of 65 mg/dL is considered high and is generally viewed as beneficial for health. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps to transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and eliminated from the body. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that an HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL and above is optimal and associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Thus, a level of 65 mg/dL indicates that the individual has higher than desirable HDL levels, which is favorable for cardiovascular health. In this context, it reflects a protective effect against heart conditions, supporting the classification of the level as high.