top of page

What is HDL (Good) Cholesterol in Blood Test? What is High and Low HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level? Causes & Treatment?

Updated: Jun 17, 2024

  • HDL Cholesterol in blood test is a test that measures the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in your blood.

  • Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells in the body. It is produced primarily in the liver, but can also be obtained externally through food. The body needs some cholesterol to function properly. Cholesterol plays a role in the formation of cell membranes, the production of many hormones, vitamin D synthesis and fat digestion.

  • Since cholesterol is not soluble in water, it cannot pass into the blood on its own and cannot be distributed in the body on its own. LIPOPROTEINS are produced by the liver to help transport cholesterol. Cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins are divided into two main groups according to their functions: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

  • The job of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also called bad cholesterol, is to carry cholesterol through your arteries. LDL cholesterol itself is not actually bad. On the contrary, it is necessary for some body functions. It can only cause some health problems when there is more than necessary in the blood. If LDL cholesterol levels are too high, it can accumulate on artery walls over time. This condition is called atherosclerosis, and the resulting plaques are called cholesterol plaques or atherosclerotic plaques. In some cases, these deposits can break down and cause clot formation, which can disrupt the blood flow pattern in various organs, especially the heart. If a blood clot formed in this way blocks the vessels leading to the heart, it can cause a heart attack, and if it blocks a vessel leading to the brain, it can cause a stroke. High cholesterol can also create a bile imbalance and increase the risk of gallstones. For these reasons, LDL is called bad cholesterol.

  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, helps cholesterol return to the liver to be eliminated from the body. In this way, it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the arteries. This is why it is called good cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol in blood test is a test that measures the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells in the body. It is produced primarily in the liver, but can also be obtained externally through food. The body needs some cholesterol to function properly. Cholesterol plays a role in the formation of cell membranes, the production of many hormones, vitamin D synthesis and fat digestion. Since cholesterol is not soluble in water, it cannot pass into the blood on its own and cannot be distributed in the body on its own. LIPOPROTEINS are produced by the liver to help transport cholesterol. Cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins are divided into two main groups according to their functions: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The job of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also called bad cholesterol, is to carry cholesterol through your arteries. LDL cholesterol itself is not actually bad. On the contrary, it is necessary for some body functions. It can only cause some health problems when there is more than necessary in the blood. If LDL cholesterol levels are too high, it can accumulate on artery walls over time. This condition is called atherosclerosis, and the resulting plaques are called cholesterol plaques or atherosclerotic plaques. In some cases, these deposits can break down and cause clot formation, which can disrupt the blood flow pattern in various organs, especially the heart. If a blood clot formed in this way blocks the vessels leading to the heart, it can cause a heart attack, and if it blocks a vessel leading to the brain, it can cause a stroke. High cholesterol can also create a bile imbalance and increase the risk of gallstones. For these reasons, LDL is called bad cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, helps cholesterol return to the liver to be eliminated from the body. In this way, it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the arteries. This is why it is called good cholesterol. In the blood test, the normal HDL Cholesterol value should be over 60 mg/dL. Less than 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women poses a risk. High HDL level is important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is not enough to evaluate HDL cholesterol level alone. LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and other risk factors should also be taken into account to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease. To obtain the most accurate results, you should fast for 12 hours before the blood sample is taken. High HDL is above 60 mg/dl and is desirable. If the HDL value is high, the risk of heart attack and stroke is reduced. However, interestingly, it has been observed that people with HDL levels above 100 mg/dl have a high risk of heart disease. Low HDL Cholesterol value is below 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women. If HDL value is low, excess cholesterol in the blood cannot be transported from the arteries to the liver. Cholesterol remaining in the arteries causes plaques to form. These plaques also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What is HDL (Good) Cholesterol in Blood Test? What is High and Low HDL (Good) Cholesterol Level? Causes & Treatment?

What is A Normal HDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test ?

  • In the blood test, the normal HDL Cholesterol value should be over 60 mg/dL. Less than 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women poses a risk.

  • High HDL level is important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

  • It is not enough to evaluate HDL cholesterol level alone. LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and other risk factors should also be taken into account to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease.

  • To obtain the most accurate results, you should fast for 12 hours before the blood sample is taken.

What is High HDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test?

  • High HDL is above 60 mg/dl and is desirable.

  • If the HDL value is high, the risk of heart attack and stroke is reduced.

  • However, interestingly, it has been observed that people with HDL levels above 100 mg/dl have a high risk of heart disease.


What Causes High HDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test?

Causes of abnormally high HDL can be listed as follows:

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Primary biliary cholangitis

  • Alcohol use disorder

  • Some medications

  • Genetic mutations


High HDL Cholesterol Symptoms

High HDL does not cause any symptoms. If it is very high due to other diseases, symptoms may occur depending on the underlying causes.


How to Treat High HDL Cholesterol Level?

High HDL is desirable because it reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by preventing cholesterol from accumulating in the arteries. However, if abnormally high HDL levels are observed due to a disease, the underlying cause must be found. Treatment should be planned according to the underlying cause. Along with treatment, steps can be taken to lower HDL levels through low alcohol consumption and a low-fat diet. If a medication to increase HDL levels is used, the use of this medication can be discontinued or replaced with a different medication.


What is Low HDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test?

  • Low HDL Cholesterol value is below 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women.

  • If HDL value is low, excess cholesterol in the blood cannot be transported from the arteries to the liver. Cholesterol remaining in the arteries causes plaques to form. These plaques also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.


What Causes Low HDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test?

Several factors can contribute to low HDL cholesterol levels in your blood test.

  • Lifestyle Factors:

Diet: A diet high in unhealthy fats and processed carbohydrates can lower HDL.

Inactivity: Lack of exercise is a risk factor.

Smoking: Smoking damages HDL particles and reduces their effectiveness.

Obesity: Excess weight, particularly abdominal fat, can lower HDL.

  • Medical Conditions:

Diabetes: Especially uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to low HDL.

Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can affect cholesterol levels.

Certain medications: Beta-blockers, diuretics, and some hormones can lower HDL as a side effect.

  • Genetics:

Sometimes, low HDL runs due to inherited gene variations.


Low HDL Cholesterol Symptoms

Low HDL does not cause any symptoms. It is usually diagnosed during a routine blood test. Low HDL increases the risk of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease are:

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Swelling in the legs


How to Treat Low HDL Cholesterol Level?

To treat low HDL, it is necessary to make some changes in lifestyle. If these are not effective, your doctor may recommend medication. Treatment may aim to reduce LDL and triglycerides while increasing HDL. Research shows that Omega 3 contributes to HDL production. Omega 3 consumption can be increased under doctor's supervision.

The following lifestyle changes can help increase HDL levels:

  • Healthy eating

  • Regular exercise

  • Being at ideal weight

  • Quit smoking

  • Limiting alcohol consumption

  • Getting enough sleep

  • A stress-free life













Comments

bottom of page