ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which HDL levels are indicative of metabolic syndrome for women?

1. Less than 40 mg/dL

2. Greater than 50 mg/dL

3. Less than 50 mg/dL

4. Greater than 40 mg/dL

The correct answer is: Less than 50 mg/dL

The correct answer highlights that HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels of less than 50 mg/dL are indicative of metabolic syndrome in women. HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream. In the context of metabolic syndrome, low HDL levels can be a signal of increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and other metabolic issues. For women, the threshold is set at 50 mg/dL; levels below this can suggest an imbalance in lipid metabolism and increased risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. This relationship is important in clinical assessments, as identifying low HDL levels can help healthcare providers to better understand a patient’s overall risk profile and guide interventions aimed at improving metabolic health. Understanding this cut-off is critical in health evaluations, allowing for earlier intervention strategies to reduce the risk of associated diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Higher levels of HDL (greater than 50 mg/dL) are generally considered beneficial, as they help to transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed from the body. Therefore, maintaining HDL levels above this threshold is part of promoting cardiovascular health and mitigating the risks associated with metabolic syndrome.