High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) refers to the amount of cholesterol carried by high-density lipoproteins in the blood. HDL is one of five major classes of lipoproteins that transport fats throughout the body. It is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess fat molecules—including LDL ("bad") cholesterol—from cells and artery walls by transporting them back to the liver for excretion or recycling. Higher levels of HDL-C are generally associated with lower risk for heart disease and stroke due to its role in reverse cholesterol transport and anti-inflammatory effects within arteries. However, extremely elevated levels may paradoxically increase cardiovascular risk in certain individuals. While many therapies influence overall lipid profiles—including statins—no approved drugs specifically target or bind to "HDL-cholesterol" itself as a molecular entity. Note: “HDL-cholesterol” is *not* a single protein or receptor but rather describes the quantity of cholesterol within circulating high-density lipoprotein particles—a complex mixture containing proteins (mainly apolipoprotein A-I), phospholipids, triglycerides, and cholesteryl esters. Thus it does *not* meet criteria for being considered a therapeutic “target” like an enzyme or receptor would. Summary judgment: The entry “HDL-cholesterol” is incorrect if intended as a druggable molecular target—it is best classified as a clinical biomarker rather than an actionable therapeutic entity.

Other names

HDL cholesterolHDL-C"good" cholesterolhigh-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels

Not applicable; no drugs act directly on HDL-C as a molecular target. Some therapies aim to raise HDL-C indirectly.