HDL Cholesterol
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream and carries them back to the liver.
Category: lipids
Also known as: hdl, hdl cholesterol, hdl-c, high density lipoprotein, hdl holesterol
Reference range: 40–60 mg/dL (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: mg/dL
High values may indicate
High HDL cholesterol is generally protective against heart disease, though extremely high levels may rarely be associated with genetic conditions or certain medications.
Low values may indicate
Low HDL cholesterol may indicate increased risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or sedentary lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal HDL Cholesterol level?
- A typical reference range for HDL Cholesterol is 40–60 mg/dL (source: ABIM). Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, and sex, so always compare against the range on your own lab report.
- What units is HDL Cholesterol measured in?
- HDL Cholesterol is most commonly reported in mg/dL. Labs in different countries may use other units — you can convert between them with BloodId's blood test unit converter.
- Where do HDL Cholesterol reference ranges come from?
- BloodId uses ABIM standard reference ranges and educational information from MedlinePlus (see our methodology). Reference ranges still vary by lab, age, and sex, so always compare against your own report.
- Can I track HDL Cholesterol over time?
- Yes. Upload results from any lab and BloodId charts your HDL Cholesterol over time against its reference range, so you can see whether the trend is rising, falling, or stable.
Related biomarkers
Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
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