Biomarker · Cardiovascular
HDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol helps carry cholesterol away from tissues. Learn what an HDL result means, why higher isn't always better and how it fits into a lipid panel.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
Overview
HDL cholesterol is the cholesterol carried in high-density lipoprotein particles, which help transport cholesterol from the body's tissues back to the liver.
Why it matters
Low HDL is associated with higher cardiovascular risk and is part of the definition of metabolic syndrome. However, raising HDL with medication has not been shown to reduce heart disease, so HDL is used mainly as a risk marker rather than a treatment target.
Higher and lower results
Low HDL is often linked with smoking, inactivity, excess weight and insulin resistance. Very high HDL is not necessarily protective and is interpreted in context.
How the test is performed
Part of a standard lipid panel from a blood sample.
Reference ranges
| NHS guide — men | ≥ 1.0 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| NHS guide — women | ≥ 1.2 mmol/L |
Reference ranges and targets differ between laboratories, units and guidelines, and depend on age, sex, method and your overall clinical picture. A single result is not a diagnosis — interpret it with a qualified clinician.
Factors that can affect the result
- Physical activity
- Smoking
- Body weight
- Alcohol
- Genetics
Questions people commonly ask
- Should I try to raise my HDL?
- Healthy habits that raise HDL, such as exercise and not smoking, are beneficial overall. Medication aimed only at raising HDL has not shown cardiovascular benefit.
Related biomarkers
Related tests
Related topics
Understand your biomarkers in context
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- HDL: The "Good" Cholesterol. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Cholesterol Levels. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Cholesterol levels. NHS.