Lipid panel
HDL cholesterol
HDL carries cholesterol away from the tissues and back to the liver. Higher levels have long been associated with lower cardiovascular risk, which is why it is often called the helpful fraction.
Typical adult reference range
Roughly above 40 in men and above 50 in women is usually considered favourable · mg/dL
Ranges vary between laboratories and by age, sex and method. Always read your own result against the range printed on your own report.
What a high result can mean
A high HDL is usually regarded as favourable, though very high levels do not appear to add further benefit and are occasionally inherited.
What a low result can mean
A low HDL is associated with higher cardiovascular risk and often accompanies inactivity, smoking, excess weight, and raised triglycerides. It is interpreted alongside the rest of the lipid panel, never alone.
What commonly affects this result
Exercise, smoking, alcohol, weight change, and some medicines.
Questions worth asking your doctor
- Given my whole lipid panel, how much does my HDL matter here?
- Which single change would move my overall risk most?
- Should we look at my total cholesterol to HDL ratio?
See what your own results say
Upload your blood test and get a plain English summary of every value on it, with the questions worth raising at your next appointment.
Analyse my resultsThis page explains what a test measures. It is general information, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you what your own result means. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, and results are only meaningful alongside your history, your symptoms and your other results. Always discuss your results with your doctor.