Also known as: HDL-C
Name: HDL cholesterol; HDL
Related tests: Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol , Lipid profile, Triglycerides
Why is the test done?
To assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.
When is the test done?
The HDL cholesterol test is done as part of the lipid profile, at least once every five years in adults.
What samples are required?
A blood sample from a vein.
What is being analysed?
HDL is a class of cholesterol-containing lipoproteins involved in the “reverse transport” of cholesterol from the peripheral tissues, where it is deposited, to the liver. The HDL cholesterol test measures the amount of cholesterol contained in HDL.
How is the sample collected for testing?
The sample is taken from a vein in the arm.
How is it used?
When is it requested?
What does the test result mean?
Is there anything else I should know?
How is it used?
The HDL cholesterol test is used, together with the other lipid profile tests, to determine cardiovascular risk.
When is it requested?
HDL cholesterol is requested together with other tests such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides as part of the lipid profile.
What does the test result mean?
HDL cholesterol is inversely related to cardiovascular risk; in particular, values > 40 mg/dL are considered desirable, while the risk increases with lower values. Some laboratories also report the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol; desirable values of this ratio are below 5, while 3.5 is considered optimal. The American Heart Association recommends using the absolute values of total and HDL cholesterol rather than their ratio, as they seem more useful in deciding on the right treatment.
HDL cholesterol must be considered together with other laboratory results, such as the other lipid profile parameters.
Is there anything else I should know?
HDL cholesterol can be significantly low in severe liver disease, malnutrition and cachexia. HDL cholesterol does not change in response to a single meal, but only after a prolonged change in the fat content of the diet; in any case, several weeks are needed before changes can be seen. Smoking can also help lower HDL cholesterol
1. What treatments can be used if HDL cholesterol levels are low?
2. Should I be worried about high HDL cholesterol levels?
1. What treatments can be used if HDL cholesterol levels are low?
Low HDL cholesterol levels are not usually a target of treatment. Some cholesterol-lowering medicines can also raise HDL cholesterol, although they are not typically prescribed on the basis of HDL cholesterol. Smoking can lower HDL cholesterol, while exercise can have the opposite effect. It has also been reported that wine, in moderate amounts, can raise HDL cholesterol, but these effects are still debated.
2. Should I be worried about high HDL cholesterol levels?
No. High HDL cholesterol can only be beneficial; HDL cholesterol is inversely proportional to cardiovascular risk, so the higher the HDL cholesterol, the lower the risk.