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🧪 What is HDL Cholesterol?

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol, often called “good cholesterol,” helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion.

It reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.
Higher HDL levels are protective, while low levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Evaluate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk
Monitor lipid profile as part of routine health screening
Assess response to lifestyle changes or medications (e.g., statins)
Investigate metabolic syndrome, obesity, or type 2 diabetes

📊 Normal Range

HDL Level (mg/dL)	Interpretation
< 40 (Men) / < 50 (Women)	Low – higher heart disease risk
40–59	Borderline – average risk
≥ 60	Ideal – protective against heart disease

🧠 Women typically have higher HDL due to estrogen effects.

📈 Interpretation of Results

HDL Level	Cardiovascular Risk
Low (< 40 mg/dL)	Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis
Normal (40–59 mg/dL)	Average risk
High (≥ 60 mg/dL)	Protective effect – reduced cardiovascular risk

⚠️ Extremely high HDL (>100 mg/dL) may be abnormal and linked to dysfunctional HDL in rare cases.

🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions

Organ/System	Related Conditions
Heart & Blood Vessels	Coronary artery disease (CAD), atherosclerosis, stroke
Liver	HDL is synthesized and helps process excess cholesterol
Endocrine/Metabolic	Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, thyroid dysfunction

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Complete Lipid Profile – Total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides
LDL/HDL Ratio – Better indicator of heart disease risk
Apolipoprotein A-I – Major protein in HDL
Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – For cholesterol synthesis and breakdown
Blood Sugar, HbA1c – Metabolic risk assessment
CRP (hsCRP) – Marker of inflammation and heart disease risk

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Requirement
HDL Cholesterol Alone	❌ Not mandatory – non-fasting acceptable
Part of Full Lipid Profile	✅ Recommended 9–12 hour fasting for accuracy

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Measures HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol that protects against heart disease
Why	Assess cardiovascular risk, monitor lipid management
Normal Range	≥60 mg/dL (ideal); <40 mg/dL = high risk
High Levels	Protective against atherosclerosis and heart disease
Low Levels	Increased risk of CAD, metabolic syndrome, diabetes
Follow-up Tests	Full lipid panel, LDL/HDL ratio, Apo A-I, CRP
Fasting Required	❌ No, unless part of full lipid profile