HDL Cholesterol
Everything you need to know about HDL Cholesterol levels, including what normal ranges look like and what abnormal results might indicate.
Standard Reference Range
Unit: mg/dLReference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Always consult your doctor for interpretation.
What is HDL?
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is the "good" cholesterol that removes excess cholesterol from arteries and transports it to the liver for disposal.
Key Takeaway
Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. HDL acts as a "cholesterol vacuum cleaner" for your arteries.
Why is this test performed?
HDL testing helps:
- Assess cardiovascular disease risk
- Evaluate overall lipid profile
- Guide treatment decisions
- Monitor lifestyle interventions
- Identify metabolic syndrome
Interpreting Your Results
HDL Categories
Low (Increased Risk):
- Men: ＜40 mg/dL
- Women: ＜50 mg/dL
- Major risk factor for heart disease
Acceptable:
- 40-59 mg/dL: Moderate protection
High (Protective):
- ≥60 mg/dL: Protective against heart disease
- Considered a "negative risk factor"
Very High HDL
- ＞100 mg/dL: Generally beneficial
- Rare cases: May indicate CETP deficiency or alcohol excess
- Usually not concerning
Causes of Low HDL
Lifestyle Factors:
- Smoking (most significant)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity (especially abdominal)
- High carbohydrate diet
Medical Conditions:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertriglyceridemia
Medications:
- Beta-blockers
- Anabolic steroids
- Progestins
Genetic:
- Familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia
Raising HDL
Most Effective Strategies:
- Exercise: Most powerful intervention (increase 5-10%)
- Quit smoking: Can raise HDL by 10%
- Lose weight: Each 6 lbs lost raises HDL ~1 mg/dL
- Moderate alcohol: May increase HDL (but weigh risks)
Dietary Changes:
- Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats
- Add omega-3 fatty acids (fish)
- Reduce refined carbohydrates
- Include nuts and olive oil
Medications (Limited Options):
- Niacin (modest effect, side effects)
- Fibrates (modest effect)
- No medication specifically approved for low HDL
HDL Functionality
Recent research shows HDL quality matters as much as quantity:
- Functional HDL: Effectively removes cholesterol
- Dysfunctional HDL: May not be protective
Total/HDL Ratio
This ratio predicts risk:
- ＜3.5: Optimal
- 3.5-5: Average risk
- ＞5: Increased risk
Important Notes
- HDL benefits plateau above certain levels
- Medications that raise HDL haven't always reduced heart disease
- Focus on improving all cardiovascular risk factors, not just HDL
Related Tests
- ApoA1: Main protein in HDL
- HDL-P: HDL particle number
- Triglycerides: Inversely related to HDL
Decode your HDL Cholesterol Results
Upload your PDF report to WellAlly. AI will visualize your trends and provide personalized health insights instantly.