high-density lipoprotein (HDL) [ME, heigh, high; L, densus, thick; Gk, lipos, fat, proteios, first rank] , a plasma protein made mainly in the liver and containing about 50% lipoprotein (apoprotein) along with cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipid. It is involved in transporting cholesterol and other lipids to the liver to be disposed. Higher levels of high-density lipoprotein are associated with decreased cardiac risk profiles. See also low-density lipoprotein, very low–density lipoprotein.
