HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol helps remove fat from the body by binding with it in the bloodstream and carrying it back to the liver for disposal. It is sometimes called “good” cholesterol. A high level of HDL cholesterol may lower your chances of developing heart disease or stroke.

Alternative Names

High-density lipoprotein

How the Test is Performed?

A blood sample is needed. Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

Why is this test done?

The HDL test helps check your risk for heart disease or atherosclerosis, which is a hardening, narrowing, or blockage of the arteries. HDL is also called good cholesterol. Having high levels of HDL in your blood reduces.

What does the test result mean?

High HDL is better than low HDL. There are two ways that HDL cholesterol values are interpreted—as a percent of total cholesterol or as a measured value.Percent: If HDL is 20% of the total cholesterol, the risk of heart disease is average. If HDL is more than 20% of the total cholesterol, the risk of heart disease is less than average. This is usually expressed as a ratio of cholesterol to HDL. It is desirable for the cholesterol/HDL ratio to be less than 5.Measured Value: If HDL is less than 1.0 mmol/L, there is an increased risk of heart disease. A desirable level of HDL is greater than 1.0 mmol/L and is associated with average risk of heart disease. A good level of HDL is 1.5 mmol/L or more and is associated with a less than average risk of heart disease.HDL should be interpreted in the context of the overall findings from the lipid profile and in consultation with your doctor about other risk factors for heart disease.

Normal Values

The normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.In general, your risk for heart disease, including a heart attack, increases if your HDL cholesterol level is less than 40 mg/dL. More specifically, men are at particular risk if their HDL is below 37 mg/dL, and women are at particular risk if their HDL if their HDL is below 47 mg/dL.An HDL 60 mg/dL or above helps protect against heart disease. Women tend to have higher HDL cholesterol than men.

HDL-cholesterol serves as a cholesterol scavenger, removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and returning it to the liver. It has been identified as a negative cardiovascular risk factor and a cardiovascular protectant in higher concentrations. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends patients have their HDL-cholesterol tested as part of their overall risk profile

Tags:

Related Posts

Related Post

• No Related Post