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HDL Cholesterol

Lipids Biomarker

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Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Lipids

Overview

HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is the fraction of blood cholesterol carried in HDL particles that participate in reverse cholesterol transport moving cholesterol from tissues and artery walls back to the liver for excretion. The HDL test measures the concentration of cholesterol in HDL particles and is reported as part of a lipid profile to assess cardiovascular risk. Low HDL is associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; very high HDL is uncommon and may be genetic or occasionally paradoxically linked to risk. Testing is usually done during routine risk assessment or when evaluating metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of premature heart disease. HDL levels vary by sex (women tend to have higher HDL than men), age, hormonal status, and lifestyle.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Lipids (part of a standard lipid profile) - Symptoms/indications: routine cardiovascular risk assessment, chest pain, early coronary disease in family, unexplained xanthomas, metabolic syndrome features - Diagnoses/monitoring: assesses cardiovascular risk, monitors lipid-lowering or lifestyle therapy - Reasons for abnormal levels: genetics, smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, some medications - Biological meaning: low HDL reduces reverse cholesterol transport and raises atherosclerotic risk; very high HDL may reflect genetics or other disorders - Lifestyle/family: sedentary lifestyle, high‑carb diets, heavy smoking, obesity lower HDL; family history of premature coronary disease or dyslipidemia warrants testing

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Understanding Test Results

Low HDL: <40 mg/dL (<1034 μmol/L) in men and <50 mg/dL (<1293 μmol/L) in women is considered low and is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Causes include smoking, obesity, insulin resistance/diabetes, high carbohydrate intake, certain drugs, and some genetic disorders.
Borderline: 40–59 mg/dL (men) or 50–59 mg/dL (women) indicates intermediate protection; combined with other risk factors this may still confer elevated risk.
Protective: ≥60 mg/dL (≥1552 μmol/L) is considered protective against heart disease and may lower overall cardiovascular risk.
Very high HDL: >100 mg/dL (>2586 μmol/L) is uncommon; may be due to genetic variants, alcohol excess, or endocrine disorders—some recent data suggest extremely high HDL does not always reduce risk and warrants clinical evaluation.
Action: interpret HDL alongside total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and global risk scores; address modifiable causes (smoking cessation, weight loss, exercise, glycemic control, medication review).

Normal Range

Men: 40-60 mg/dL OR 1034-1552 μmol/L; Women: 50-60 mg/dL OR 1293-1552 μmol/L

FAQs

Q: What HDL cholesterol level is good?

A: A healthy HDL (high-density lipoprotein) level is higher rather than lower. For men, HDL above 40 mg/dL is desirable and for women above 50 mg/dL; levels of 60 mg/dL or higher are considered protective against heart disease. Values below 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women) are considered low and associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Q: What happens if HDL is low?

A: Low HDL (the \

Q: Is HDL of 70 too high?

A: An HDL of 70 mg/dL is generally considered healthy and often protective against heart disease; levels ≥60 mg/dL are viewed as beneficial. Very high HDL (much above ~100 mg/dL) has been linked to unclear or possibly increased risk in some studies, so context matters. Review your full lipid panel and overall risk factors with your clinician for personalized interpretation.

Q: What is HDL cholesterol?

A: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the \

Q: How do I increase my HDL?

A: Raise HDL by exercising regularly (150 min/week moderate aerobic plus resistance training), losing excess weight, and quitting smoking. Eat healthy fats—olive oil, fatty fish, nuts—and replace trans fats and refined carbs with whole grains and fiber. Moderate alcohol only if you already drink. Control blood sugar and blood pressure. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, discuss medication options with your clinician.

Q: What is a normal cholesterol level by age?

A: Normal cholesterol by age: Children and teens: total cholesterol <170 mg/dL. Adults (including older adults): total cholesterol <200 mg/dL (200–239 borderline; ≥240 high). Key component targets for adults: LDL optimal <100 mg/dL; HDL protective ≥60 mg/dL (low <40 mg/dL in men, <50 mg/dL in women); triglycerides <150 mg/dL. Targets may vary.