Hdl cholesterol of 30-an hdl (good) cholesterol level of 30 is not considered to be a healthy cholesterol level. the level should be at least 40 for men, and some experts recommend at least 45 for women. high levels of hdl cholesterol can actually help your heart. hdls carry unhealthy cholesterol away from the arteries and to the liver. from the liver, cholesterol can be processed into a harmless substance and passed from the body. hdl cholesterol has been compared to janitors in the arteries. the more unhealthy bad cholesterol you have in your arteries, the more you will need hdl cholesterol to clean it up!