HDL Cholestrol Test

HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. Cholesterol is soft, waxy fat required by your body for optimal functioning, whereas lipoproteins are globe-shaped molecules containing lipids bound to unique proteins, apoproteins. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol is one of the types of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is further subdivided into four types such as triglycerides (TG), Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density lipoprotein (HDL). Each constituent has a particular function of its own. The lipid panel helps to diagnose each of them.

Not all types of cholesterol are bad or harmful to the body. They can be either good cholesterol or bad cholesterol.

An HDL test can only estimate the values of HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is also termed "good cholesterol" due to its cholesterol-scavenging properties. On the contrary, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol is termed "bad cholesterol" due to high cholesterol content. Excess of bad cholesterol in the blood leads to the build-up of fatty deposits or plaques in your arteries. Accumulation or settling of certain types of cholesterol within the arteries results in various heart conditions, such as stroke, heart attack, etc.

The primary reason to term HDL as good for overall health is: HDL concentration in blood is directly linked with better heart health, as it removes other forms of cholesterol present in the blood. This decreases the risk of heart-related ailments.

HDL cholesterol test is an included test parameter in the lipid profile test. The HDL cholesterol test aims to measure the HDL level in the blood. It is a marker test used for assessing and diagnosing heart health conditions. If HDL cholesterol level is higher than the baseline range, it indicates higher amounts of good cholesterol within the blood.

Your doctor can also prescribe an HDL test at periodic intervals to assess the risk of cardiovascular disorders over time.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in India. The prevalence of high LDL levels and low HDL levels is resulting in premature heart diseases. The optimal level of HDL cholesterol in the blood reduces the risk of heart diseases. If you have low HDL cholesterol levels in the blood, adopt certain lifestyle changes to improve its level.

Here are some lifestyle habits that can improve HDL cholesterol range and decrease LDL level - Reduce the intake of fatty foods, Reduce salt intake to less than 5 grams per day, Avoid smoking and alcohol, Exercise regularly, i.e., move your body for at least 30 minutes in a go, Treat your underlying conditions, like obesity and diabetes mellitus, Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, Keep track of your blood pressure, Avoid sedentary lifestyle.

Other names for HDL test

• Good Cholesterol Test
• HDL-C Test
• High-Density Lipoprotein Test
• High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Test

What does the HDL Test detect and who is this prescribed for?

The HDL test evaluates the good cholesterol levels in our blood. HDL is known as good cholesterol because it aids in transporting bad cholesterol back to the liver, metabolises it and eliminates it from the body. In contrast, LDL and VLDL cholesterol gets accumulated within the arteries and increase the risk of heart diseases. Thus, HDL cholesterol reduces the risk of blockages within the arteries.

The HDL test is useful in assessing the following condition:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack, Stroke
• Peripheral heart disease
• Stroke

The doctor will prescribe the HDL cholesterol test to the person at risk of developing heart disease. They are people with:

• Family history of heart diseases
• Old age
• High Blood Pressure
• Overweight
• Less physical activity
• Diabetes
• Smoking habits
• Alcohol consumption

What causes extremely low HDL?

A few reasons for extremely low HDL levels are:

• Excess of weight
• Genetic factors such as metabolic syndrome
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Active smoker
• Unhealthy eating habits
• Uncontrolled diabetes

How can I raise my HDL number?

Lifestyle modification is the key to raising HDL numbers.

• Exercise daily and give up a sedentary lifestyle. Get active.
• Manage weight by losing the extra weight.
• Eat healthily and choose your fats wisely along with the meal portion.
• Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.

The reports of the HDL test is commonly measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.

A higher HDL test level than the reference level, i.e. more than 60 mg/dL, will make you less susceptible to the risk of heart disease.

Factors that falsely elevate HDL level :

• Certain medications, alcohol consumption and thyroid disorder.
• Strenuous activity prior to sample collection may also falsely elevate the test result.

A lower HDL test result than the reference level, i.e. less than 40 mg/dL, indicates an increased risk of heart problems, including stroke and heart disease. If the individual has other comorbid conditions such as high blood pressure, and diabetes the risk of heart problems increases.

Factors that falsely lower HDL levels:

• Certain inherited conditions, some medicine, infections, and inflammatory conditions.

Lifestyle changes can help improve the low level of HDL, such as exercising regularly, consuming healthy food, avoiding junk food, alcohol and smoking, controlling blood pressure, reducing weight, etc.

The HDL test result is based on analysing a blood sample collected from the arm's vein.

Test Preparation

1. Before the HDL-C test

• You need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the HDL test for accurate test reports.
• You must not smoke or drink alcohol 24 hours before the test.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Closely follow your doctor's instructions regarding medications or herbal supplements to avoid them.

2. During the HDL test

A nurse or sample collector will use your arm's vein to collect the blood sample. Preferably, wear a short sleeve for convenience during sample collection.

3. After the HDL test

When done hygienically and according to protocol, the HDL test procedure poses no serious threats to an individual. There might be slight soreness due to needle insertion and lightheadedness.

HDL Test Inclusions: What parameters are included?

An HDL test includes measuring only one parameter called high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or good cholesterol levels. The HDL test results are derived from the blood sample collected after an 8-12 hour fasting period.

The result of the HDL test is not expressed as positive or negative. If the value is on the lower side, it is an indicator of bad heart health and an increased risk of heart disease. 

HDL test reports vary with age and sex and lifestyle modifications.

How frequently should you take an HDL Test?

Doctors prescribe HDL tests if they suspect a history of low HDL levels or concerning signs and symptoms. It is not part of a routine cholesterol test. If your previous HDL test results were low, then doctors prescribe HDL tests.

Consult your healthcare professional or physician about the upcoming steps regarding follow-ups for treatments or therapies.

Heart attack, Coronary artery disease, Stroke