Cardiovascular protection by HDL independent of cholesterol
High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, has its main protective effect on cardiovascular disorders by way of reverse cholesterol transport which removes cholesterol from peripheral tissues to liver for metabolism and excretion. In addition to this HDL is thought to have additional cardiovascular protective effects by several mechanisms like:
– Prevents LDL oxidation and aggregation
– Anti inflammatory effect
– Anti thrombotic effect
– Pro fibrinolytic effect
– Vascular relaxation
– Inhibition of leukocyte adhesion and chemotaxis