HDL Cholesterol

Lipid PanelHeart & VesselsBlood

HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is a particle made of lipids and proteins. HDL particles pick up extra cholesterol in the blood and deliver it to the liver, which breaks it down and removes it from the body.

Why it matters: HDL also helps counter inflammation and plays a role in preventing blood clots.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
> 1.0mmol/L
1LowNormal
What Moves It

May increase with:

Heart-healthy foods
Physical activity
Healthy weight

May decrease with:

Tobacco use including e-cigarettes
Excess weight
Insulin resistance
Beta-blockers or diuretics
Associated Conditions
Dyslipidaemia, an abnormal balance between good and bad cholesterol, which abnormally high levels may suggest
Related Markers
LDL CholesterolTriglyceridesTotal CholesterolApolipoprotein B
Common questions

What is HDL Cholesterol?

HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is a particle made of lipids and proteins. HDL particles pick up extra cholesterol in the blood and deliver it to the liver, which breaks it down and removes it from the body.

What might a high or low HDL Cholesterol mean?

HDL also helps counter inflammation and plays a role in preventing blood clots.

What is the typical reference range for HDL Cholesterol?

The general-population reference range shown here is > 1 mmol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect HDL Cholesterol?

It may be higher with: Heart-healthy foods, Physical activity, Healthy weight. It may be lower with: Tobacco use including e-cigarettes, Excess weight, Insulin resistance, Beta-blockers or diuretics.

More in Lipid Panel
ApoB/ApoA1 RatioApolipoprotein A1Apolipoprotein BLDL CholesterolLipoprotein(a)Non-HDL CholesterolRemnant CholesterolTotal CholesterolTriglyceridesVLDL Cholesterol

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