Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Test Measures
Interpreting Results
FAQ's
City Price Info
Home Collection
References
Other Tests
Content created by
Written by
Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Cholesterol - HDL

Also known as High-density lipoprotein test
259274 5% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Overnight fasting is preferred.

Understanding Cholesterol - HDL


What is Cholesterol - HDL?

A Cholesterol - HDL test is a blood test that measures the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the body. This test is done to evaluate your cardiovascular health, especially when you have risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is often done as part of a routine health checkup or lipid profile. 

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. It is essential for the production of hormones and vitamin D, and for digesting the food. There are generally two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or the "bad" cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or the “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. It helps remove excess LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of plaque formation (fat, cholesterol, and other substance buildup in the walls of arteries) and subsequent heart conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, and angina.

Your doctor may suggest a Cholesterol - HDL test if you have risk factors contributing to low HDL levels, such as smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, genetic abnormality, etc. Low levels of HDL cholesterol are generally associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Conversely, high levels of HDL cholesterol are usually seen as beneficial and protective against heart disease. Overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred before an HDL-C test. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test. 

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them evaluate your medical condition, make recommendations for diet, exercise, or medication, and formulate an overall treatment plan.

What is Cholesterol - HDL used for?

Cholesterol - HDL test is done:

  • As part of routine health checkups to measure the level of HDL cholesterol in the blood.

  • To determine an individual's risk of developing heart conditions, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, as higher HDL cholesterol levels are generally associated with a lower risk of these conditions.

  • For monitoring the HDL levels in individuals already diagnosed with high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease to ensure that their treatment plans are effective in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

  • To detect early deviations in HDL levels in individuals with a family history of high cholesterol levels or premature heart disease, enabling timely interventions and lifestyle modifications to reduce their risk of cardiovascular complications.

What does Cholesterol - HDL measure?

A Cholesterol - HDL test measures the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, as it helps transport excess low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver for excretion. This process prevents the buildup of plaque on the blood vessel walls, which can cause them to become narrow and less flexible. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are generally associated with a lower risk of heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. By measuring HDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and can recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies, including lifestyle modifications and medications.

Interpreting Cholesterol - HDL results


Interpretations

  • Since HDL is called as "Good Cholesterol", therefore, higher levels are considered better and are associated with less than average increased risk of heart disease 
  • HDL Cholesterol level between 40 - 50 mg/dl in men and between 50-59 mg/dl in women is considered normal
  • HDL level below 40 mg/dl in men and below 50 mg/dl is low and is associated with increased risk of heart disease 
  • HDL level more than 60 mg/dl is high and is associated with less than average risk of heart disease 

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cholesterol - HDL


Frequently Asked Questions about Cholesterol - HDL

Q. What is a Cholesterol - HDL test?

A Cholesterol - HDL test measures the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in your blood. An optimal amount of HDL cholesterol is necessary as it helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Q. What does a low HDL cholesterol level mean?

A low HDL cholesterol level is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. As HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream, its low levels may indicate that your body is not effectively removing cholesterol from your system.

Q. How can I increase my HDL cholesterol levels?

You can increase your HDL cholesterol levels by engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats. In some cases, medications may also be prescribed to increase HDL cholesterol levels.

Q. How often should I get a Cholesterol - HDL test done?

The frequency of HDL cholesterol testing may vary depending on the heart disease risk factors in an individual. In general, healthcare providers may recommend getting a Cholesterol - HDL test every 4 to 6 years for adults who are at average risk for heart disease. However, individuals with high-risk factors may need more frequent testing.

Q. What factors can affect my HDL cholesterol levels?

Several factors can affect your HDL cholesterol levels, including genetics, age, gender, smoking, physical activity levels, and diet.

Q. Are there any risks associated with an HDL cholesterol test?

An HDL cholesterol testing is generally considered safe and does not involve any significant risks. However, as with any blood test, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or bruising at the site where the blood is drawn.

Q. What is the difference between bad cholesterol and good cholesterol?

HDL is considered good cholesterol because it takes cholesterol away from the blood and returns it to the liver, whereas LDL is considered bad cholesterol because it carries cholesterol that can stick to the arterial walls and form plaque.
+ more

Cholesterol - HDL test price for other cities


Price inAhmedabadRs. 273
Price inAllahabadRs. 273
Price inAmritsarRs. 273
Price inBangaloreRs. 200
Price inBhopalRs. 250
+ more

Book a Cholesterol - HDL test at home near me

Easy online booking
Search for tests and packages, book a time and select address for seamless at-home lab tests.
Live tracking of phlebotomist
Stay informed with live tracking of our phlebotomist's location for seamless sample collection.
Safe collection
Our phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols to collect samples at home on time.
Sample received at lab
Your sample is bought to our laboratory for testing by our qualified experts.
Quick reports, free follow up
Reports are sent to your email. A free doctor follow up is provided to understand the report better
Test conducted by
1mg Labs (1MG Technologies Private Limited)
ISO certified
Know more

INDIA’S LARGEST HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

260m+
Visitors
31m+
Orders Delivered
1800+
Cities
Get the link to download App
Reliable

All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies. All labs listed on the platform are accredited

Secure

Tata 1mg uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption and is Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliant

Affordable

Find affordable medicine substitutes, save up to 50% on health products, up to 80% off on lab tests and free doctor consultations.

Know more about Tata 1mgdownArrow

Access medical and health information

Tata 1mg provides you with medical information which is curated, written and verified by experts, accurate and trustworthy. Our experts create high-quality content about medicines, diseases, lab investigations, Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products, Ayurvedic herbs/ingredients, and alternative remedies.

Order medicines online

Get free medicine home delivery in over 1800 cities across India. You can also order Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and other Over-The-Counter (OTC) health products. Your safety is our top priority. All products displayed on Tata 1mg are procured from verified and licensed pharmacies.

Book lab tests

Book any lab tests and preventive health packages from certified labs and get tested from the comfort of your home. Enjoy free home sample collection, view reports online and consult a doctor online for free.

Consult a doctor online

Got a health query? Consult doctors online from the comfort of your home for free. Chat privately with our registered medical specialists to connect directly with verified doctors. Your privacy is guaranteed.