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All about HDL cholesterol levels
By BloedCheckup
Your blood test results often show an LDL value next to an HDL cholesterol level. HDL is called the 'good' cholesterol, but a high value is no guarantee of healthy blood vessels. Below you can read what you can actually deduce from this measurement.
What is HDL cholesterol?
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. It is a group of particles that transport cholesterol through the blood and are involved in recycling it back to the liver. There, cholesterol can be further processed. When we talk about HDL cholesterol, we mean the amount of cholesterol contained in these particles.
Cholesterol is a building block for cells and hormones, among other things. It must be transported because it doesn't dissolve in blood. HDL and LDL have different roles in this process. LDL transports cholesterol to tissues; prolonged high LDL can contribute to fat accumulation in the artery wall.
What does your HDL level indicate?
HDL is used as part of the assessment of your risk of cardiovascular diseases. A low value can be associated with a less favorable risk profile but is not a diagnosis. Also, a high value does not alone determine how healthy your blood vessels are.
Result | What does this mean? |
|---|---|
Low HDL | Reason to look at the full lipid profile and other risk factors. |
HDL within reference values | Also assess LDL, triglycerides, and your personal risk. |
Frequently asked questions about HDL cholesterol
Is HDL the same as the cholesterol ratio?
No. HDL is a measured cholesterol value. The ratio is a calculation: total cholesterol divided by HDL.
Should I primarily try to raise my HDL?
The goal is a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, not just a higher HDL number. Healthy living and assessing, among other factors, LDL, blood pressure, and smoking habits are important.
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