Which single change in a lipid panel would most directly indicate a reduced atherosclerotic risk?

An increase in HDL concentration while LDL and VLDL remain constant, because HDL promotes reverse cholesterol transport and excretion.

A complete disappearance of HDL from blood with unchanged LDL, because HDL absence is universally protective against plaque formation.

A sudden doubling of LDL when HDL simultaneously triples, because LDL always neutralizes HDL's effects.

An isolated increase in VLDL with no other changes, because VLDL has no relationship to LDL and reduces plaque.