HDL Cholesterol

A high-density lipoprotein (HDL) test measures the level of good cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in all of the cells in your body. … HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it carries LDL, triglycerides, and harmful fats and returns them to your liver for processing.

Also Known As:  HDL,  HDL-C, High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Test Panel: Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, VLDL Cholesterol, Non-High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Why Get Tested:

• Advised to evaluate the coronary artery disease risk.
• This can be advised as the part of a lipid profile.

When to Get Tested:

• Screening: as part of a regular health exam with a lipid profile.
• when no risk factors for heart disease are present.
• once every four to six years in adults.
• children should have a lipid profile screening at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and then again between the ages of 17 and 21.

Sample Required:

• This test is done on the serum.
• Fasting sample is preferred. Advised the patient to fast for 12 to 14 hours.
• This test can be done on plasma as well.
• Can store serum or plasma at 4 °C for 4 days (can keep for 5 to 7 days).

Normal Value:

• Male = 40 – 60 mg/dL
• Female = 40 – 60 mg/dL

Abnormal values of HDL:

1. <25 mg/dl             =  Coronary heart disease risk is 2 times and this is a dangerous level.
2. 26  to 35 mg/dl    =  The risk is 1.5 times. This is a high-risk group.
3. 36  to  44 mg/dl   = The risk is 1.2 times. This is a moderate risk group.
4. 45 to 59 mg/dl     = This is average risk group.
5. Above 60 mg/dl  = Below average risk group.
6. Critical values:
   1. Male = less than 35 mg/dl.
   2. Female = less than 40 mg/dl.

Increased HDL-C value seen in:

• A chronic liver disease like cirrhosis, hepatitis, and alcoholism.
• Long-term vigorous exercises.
• Familial hyper- alpha-lipoproteinemia.
• The increased level may be due to some drugs.
  • Estrogen therapy.
  • Moderate intake of alcohol.
  • Insulin therapy.

Decreased HDL-C values seen in:

• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Cholestasis.
• Chronic renal failure, uremia, and nephrotic syndrome.
• Hypertriglyceridemia.
• Familial hypo-alpha-lipoproteinemia.
• alpha and beta – lipoproteinemia.
• The decreased level may also be seen in some of the drugs.
  • Steroids.
  • Antihypertensive drugs.
  • Diuretics.
  • Beta-blockers.
  • Thiazide.

Table showing the summary of characteristics of the lipoproteins