Test Summary
Collection method
In person at the lab; at-home where available
Why test
HDL Cholesterol
?
- Helps estimate heart risk with other factors.
- Part of a standard lipid panel.
- Tracks lifestyle changes like exercise and diet.
- Useful when triglycerides or weight change.
- Informs prevention planning with your clinician.
What is
HDL Cholesterol
?
- Helps estimate heart risk with other factors.
- Part of a standard lipid panel.
- Tracks lifestyle changes like exercise and diet.
- Useful when triglycerides or weight change.
- Informs prevention planning with your clinician.
What insights will i get from
HDL Cholesterol
?
- Low: Linked with higher heart disease risk.
- High: May reflect healthier lifestyle or genetics.
- Very high: Not always protective; interpret with other lipids.
- Trends: Improving HDL alongside lower LDL is encouraging.
- Not a target: Raising HDL alone has not lowered risk in trials.
Sample type & collection
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No
- Best timing: Morning preferred; consistent timing helps
- Collection: In person at the lab; at-home where available
- Typical volume: 1 mL
- Analysis: Serum
- Prep tips: Avoid heavy alcohol and intense exercise 24 hours before
- Turnaround: 1–3 business days
HDL Cholesterol
is best interpreted with:
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HDL Cholesterol
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Limits & interferences with
HDL Cholesterol
:
- Strenuous exercise within 24 hours may raise HDL.
- Smoking can lower HDL.
- Heavy alcohol intake may raise HDL.
- Weight changes can shift HDL.
- Special situations: Pregnancy or illness—confirm when recovered.
Questions about
HDL Cholesterol
:
- Do I need to fast? No. Fasting isn’t required for HDL alone. Your clinician may ask for fasting with a full lipid panel or very high triglycerides.
- Can HDL be too high? Very high HDL isn’t always protective. Interpret it with LDL, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B.
- How can I improve HDL? Move regularly, stop smoking, choose healthy fats, and keep a healthy weight. These habits support heart health.
- How often should I test? Usually with routine checkups. Test sooner if your risk or care plan changes.
Sources:
- American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association — 2018 Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. (2018). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625
- CDC — HDL Cholesterol: The “Good” Cholesterol. (2023). https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/hdl-cholesterol.htm
- NIH MedlinePlus — HDL Cholesterol Test. (2024). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hdl-cholesterol-high-density-lipoprotein/
- ARUP Consult — Lipid Panel. (2022). https://arupconsult.com/content/lipid-panel
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always discuss results with a qualified healthcare professional.
