Insight into your HDL cholesterol.
HDL cholesterol carries excess cholesterol back to the liver, which is why it is often called "good cholesterol". A test provides insight into your HDL level, with personal explanation from our doctors.
Also known as: HDL, good cholesterol
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
How Bloodworks works
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Blood draw
Takes just a few minutes
Receive your report
Securely, within a few working days from our physicians
Background
What is HDL cholesterol?
HDL stands for high density lipoprotein. These particles pick up excess cholesterol from the tissues and from the artery wall and carry it back to the liver, where it is broken down or excreted. This transport in the reverse direction is the reason HDL is commonly called "good cholesterol". A higher HDL level is generally regarded as more favourable.
HDL is expressed in millimoles per litre (mmol/L) and is never assessed on its own. The value takes on meaning alongside LDL and triglycerides, among other things through the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL. Important to know: HDL is not a goal in itself. Studies in which HDL was artificially raised with medication showed no reduction in cardiovascular disease. HDL is therefore primarily a marker within the lipid profile, not a dial to turn.
In brief
Good cholesterol
Carries cholesterol back to the liver
Ratio
Assessed relative to total cholesterol
Lifestyle sensitive
Exercise and smoking have an influence
Not a goal in itself
Raising it with medication does not help
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your HDL cholesterol be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring HDL cholesterol can provide insight.
Insight into your HDL level
A test gives a snapshot of the cholesterol that is carried back to the liver.
Alongside LDL and triglycerides
HDL says little on its own. Its ratio to the other lipids determines how your value should be read.
Tracking the effect of exercise
Regular physical activity is associated with a more favourable HDL. Those who have started exercising more can see this reflected after a few months.
With excess weight or metabolic questions
A low HDL level often occurs together with elevated triglycerides and disturbed blood sugar regulation.
After stopping smoking
Smoking is associated with a lower HDL level. After quitting, some people choose to have their lipids checked.
With a family history
Cardiovascular disease at a young age in the family is a reason to map out the full lipid profile, including HDL.
What your result means
How do we read your HDL cholesterol level?
HDL cholesterol is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The laboratory supplies the reference ranges, which can differ for men and women. Our doctor always assesses your HDL alongside your LDL, triglycerides, and other risk factors.
A low value
A low HDL level is generally regarded as less favourable. It often occurs together with excess weight, little physical activity, smoking, elevated triglycerides, or insulin resistance. Heredity also plays a role. Our doctor looks at your lipid profile as a whole and provides an explanation.
A value within the reference ranges
An HDL level within the laboratory reference ranges gives a reassuring picture for this marker. Its meaning depends on your broader profile. A fine HDL does not offset a strongly elevated LDL, so your risk is always assessed on all factors together.
An elevated value
A higher HDL level is generally regarded as favourable. It is now clear, however, that very high values do not automatically provide extra protection. A strongly elevated HDL is sometimes hereditary. Our doctor provides explanation and context for your value.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your HDL level against the laboratory reference ranges and your personal context, lifestyle, weight, smoking status, medication use, and other lipids.
Related tests
Often combined with HDL cholesterol.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine HDL cholesterol with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for an HDL test?
For HDL alone, fasting is not strictly necessary. Because HDL is almost always assessed together with LDL and triglycerides, which are sensitive to your last meal, we still advise fasting for 9 to 12 hours and drinking only water.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL?
LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the body and, when there is a surplus, can settle in the artery wall. HDL picks up excess cholesterol and carries it back to the liver. This is why LDL is called "bad" and HDL "good" cholesterol.
Is a higher HDL always better?
Not automatically. A higher HDL level is generally regarded as more favourable, but very high values do not provide extra protection. Research in which HDL was raised with medication showed no reduction in cardiovascular disease. HDL is a marker, not a treatment target.
What is the cholesterol ratio?
The cholesterol ratio is the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL. A lower ratio is regarded as more favourable. The ratio is calculated for you, so no action is needed on your part.
What influences my HDL level?
Regular exercise and weight loss are associated with a more favourable HDL. Smoking, excess weight, and insulin resistance are linked to a lower HDL. Heredity is also an important factor.
Can I raise my HDL deliberately?
HDL responds only to a limited degree to lifestyle, mainly to more exercise, stopping smoking, and weight loss. Medication that specifically raises HDL has not shown health benefits in research. Your doctor therefore prefers to look at the whole lipid profile rather than at HDL alone.
How often should I measure HDL?
A single measurement is sufficient for initial insight. During a lifestyle programme or after previously abnormal lipids, retesting after a few months is common.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and a doctor's explanation. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or adjusting your lifestyle, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your HDL cholesterol?
For €49 you receive your HDL level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order HDL cholesterol for €49 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine HDL cholesterol with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
49,-
All-in, blood draw included