At what level of HDL is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

A level of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) below 40 mg/dL is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, thus playing a protective role against heart disease. Low levels of HDL can indicate an increased risk for developing CVD, as it does not effectively help with cholesterol transport and may lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. Levels above 60 mg/dL are typically viewed as protective and associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, while other percentages do not specifically indicate risk in the same way that a level below 40 mg/dL does.