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
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.