What role does HDL play in Sport?

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is often called 'good cholesterol' because it transports excess cholesterol from arteries to the liver (reverse cholesterol transport). In sports, HDL may support recovery and vascular health through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Endurance training can moderately raise HDL levels, but direct evidence for performance enhancement is limited. The clinical relevance for athletes remains unclear, as HDL changes are often confounded by diet, weight, and training volume. Moreover, genetic variants (e.g., CETP) can affect HDL function without being actionable via DTC tests. Caveat: HDL alone is not a reliable marker for cardiovascular risk or athletic performance.