First, let me congratulate you on your excellent HDL (good) cholesterol level. A HDL (high-density lipoprotein) of 78 is a very good indication that you’re at low risk of heart disease and there is absolutely no need to lower it.
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/heart/hdl-too-high/
If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL* or more or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, you will need to have a lipoprotein profile done.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/resources/heart/heart-cholesterol-hbc-what-html
Epidemiological studies have shown that high concentrations of HDL (over 60 mg/dL) have protective value against cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Low concentrations of HDL (below 40 mg/dL for men, below 50 mg/dL for women) increase the risk for atherosclerotic diseases.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_lipoprotein
If our optimal HDL levels are higher than our “natural” evolved HDL levels, then the rare people with highly elevated HDL – those blessed with genetic variants that increase HDL, or that live the lifestyles that most elevate HDL – should live longest and be healthiest. Indeed, that seems to be what is observed.
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/04/hdl-higher-is-good-but-is-highest-best/
HDL is called good cholesterol because in this form cholesterol travels away from the arteries and back to the liver for eventual elimination from the body. In contrast, LDL (bad) cholesterol combines with other substances that can build up in the walls of arteries to form plaque..
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/heart/hdl-too-high/
The primary lipoprotein in HDL, apolipoprotein A-I, not only binds to immune proteins, it also can pick up an assortment of toxins, including oxidized LDL. The liver is the body’s toxin-destruction organ, and I would propose that its toxin transport function is why HDL tends to return to the liver.
http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/04/hdl-higher-is-good-but-is-highest-best/
HDL (good) cholesterol protects against heart disease, so for HDL, higher numbers are better. A level less than 40 mg/dL is low and is considered a major risk factor because it increases your risk for developing heart disease. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL or more help to lower your risk for heart disease. Triglycerides can also raise heart disease risk. Levels that are borderline high (150-199 mg/dL) or high (200 mg/dL or more) may need treatment in some people.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/resources/heart/heart-cholesterol-hbc-what-html
HDL levels of 60 mg/dl or above are classified as high and considered protective against heart disease. So you have nothing to worry about. HDL and LDL levels are influenced by heredity, diet, weight, exercise, age, gender, alcohol consumption, and stress.
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/heart/hdl-too-high/
High-density lipoprotein. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are one of the five major groups of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are complex particles composed of multiple proteins which transport all fat molecules (lipids) around the body within the water outside cells.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_lipoprotein
Interpreting HDL Cholesterol Levels. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL are associated with an increased risk of CAD, even in people whose total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are normal. HDL levels between 40 and 60 mg/dL are considered normal, and do not very much affect the risk of CAD one way or the other. However, HDL levels greater than 60 mg/dL are actually associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. In other words, the dogma has been: the higher the HDL levels, the better.
https://www.verywell.com/raising-your-hdl-levels-1745267
what is the highest your hdl can get
Your High Density Lipoproteins can get 200 milligrams per deciliter or more. The highest high-density lipoprotein you can get is 200 milligrams per deciliter or more.