Cholesterol and heart health
HDL cholesterol blood test: what a high or low result means
What HDL ('good') cholesterol means on your results, what low HDL can mean, and what to ask your doctor.
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Explain my results → Available on web, iOS & Android.What is HDL cholesterol?
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. It carries cholesterol away from your arteries and back to the liver, which removes it from the body. That is why HDL is often called 'good' cholesterol. It is part of a lipid profile (lipid panel in the US) and is also used to work out your cholesterol ratio and non-HDL cholesterol.
Why is this test done?
- To assess your risk of heart disease and stroke
- As part of a routine cholesterol test
- To calculate your total cholesterol to HDL ratio
What does a high HDL cholesterol mean?
A higher HDL is generally linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Very high levels do not seem to give extra protection.
Possible reasons include:
- Regular physical activity
- Not smoking
- Inherited tendency
- Moderate alcohol intake, although drinking is not recommended to raise HDL
What does a low HDL cholesterol mean?
A low HDL is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, especially when combined with high triglycerides.
Possible reasons include:
- Smoking
- Being inactive or overweight
- Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance
- High triglycerides
- Inherited tendency
- Some medicines
Why we don't list a "normal range". Reference ranges differ between laboratories and can depend on your age, sex and whether you are pregnant. The range printed next to your result on your own report is the one that applies to you, so use that, and talk to your doctor about what your result means for you.
What can affect your HDL cholesterol result?
- Smoking
- Exercise
- Body weight
- Some medicines
Make sense of the whole report, not just one line
Results are easier to understand together. Patiently AI explains your report as a whole and writes personalised questions for your next appointment.
Try it with your own results → Paste, upload or photograph your results.Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my HDL low for my level of heart risk?
- What is my total cholesterol to HDL ratio?
- What lifestyle changes would help raise it?
- Should my blood sugar be checked as well?
Frequently asked questions
Why is HDL called 'good' cholesterol?
HDL helps remove cholesterol from the arteries and carry it to the liver, which is thought to protect against heart disease.
How can I raise my HDL?
Stopping smoking, being more active and losing weight if needed can raise HDL. Medicines aimed only at raising HDL have not been shown to reduce heart disease.
What is the cholesterol ratio?
It is your total cholesterol divided by your HDL. A lower ratio is generally better, and some risk calculators use it.
Can Patiently AI explain my HDL cholesterol result?
Yes. Paste your results, or upload a photo, PDF or Word file, and Patiently AI explains them in plain English, sticking to the numbers and ranges on your own report rather than adding its own, and suggests questions to ask your doctor. It is free, needs no account, and removes identifying details on your device first.