What is HDL cholesterol?
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. HDL cholesterol helps return LDL cholesterol to the liver to be removed from the body. In healthy people, healthy HDL cholesterol are thought to lower the risk of blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. The HDL test is usually done as part of a larger lipid panel that includes at least total cholesterol, LDL or non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Why test HDL cholesterol?
Testing HDL cholesterol is crucial for several reasons, particularly for assessing heart health and preventing lifestyle diseases. It helps identify risk factors for heart disease, especially in individuals with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and an unhealthy diet also elevate the risk of heart disease, making regular HDL cholesterol checks essential. Additionally, if previous tests have indicated an increased risk of heart disease, monitoring HDL levels is vital to manage and mitigate this risk.
What causes low HDL cholesterol?
Very low cholesterol can indicate inflammatory processes in the body. Genetic conditions, consumption of hydrogenated fats, smoking, and health conditions from insulin resistance and high blood pressure to obesity have been shown to lower HDL cholesterol.
Very low HDL may indicate a lack of exercise and may be associated with hyperthyroidism, heavy metals, atherosclerosis, and fatty liver in healthy individuals. In healthy people, HDL cholesterol on the lower side may increase heart disease risk.
Symptoms of low HDL cholesterol
Low HDL cholesterol typically does not cause symptoms and may be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It can contribute to conditions such as chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue due to reduced blood flow to the heart. In severe cases, low HDL levels can lead to more serious events like heart attacks, presenting with chest pain, nausea, and sweating, or strokes, characterized by sudden numbness, confusion, and loss of coordination. Monitoring and managing low HDL cholesterol is crucial to reducing the risk of these serious cardiovascular events.
What causes high HDL cholesterol?
High HDL cholesterol is often caused by genetic factors that alter HDL function in the body and can increase the risk of heart disease. The significance of higher HDL cholesterol is controversial. Higher than normal HDL cholesterol was previously considered beneficial, but newer research suggests that is not true for everyone. In healthy people, HDL cholesterol on the higher side confers health benefits such as lower heart disease risk. However, higher HDL cholesterol has also been associated with several autoimmune processes.
For optimal protection against cardiovascular disease, the HDL cholesterol test must be analysed in conjunction with LDL (or total cholesterol), and triglycerides. Studies suggest that higher HDL (40 mg/dL or higher) helps reduce cardiovascular disease only when LDL and triglycerides are low (100 mg/dL or less). One study found that when LDL and triglycerides rise above 100 mg/dL or 150 mg/DL, respectively, higher HDL does not affect outcomes.
In case of an HDL level outside the reference range, we advise our clients to visit a doctor for medical advice and to consult a Nordic Wellth practitioner for dietary, lifestyle and supplementation advice and support.
Symptoms of high HDL cholesterol
High cholesterol is a "silent" condition without direct symptoms that can lead to serious health issues. These include chest pain (angina), heart attacks (with chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating), strokes (sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking), and peripheral artery disease (leg pain and cramping during activity). Additionally, it can cause fatty deposits under the skin around the eyes, elbows, knees, and ankles. These issues arise from plaque buildup in the arteries, highlighting the need for regular cholesterol checks and management.
More information
Values that are slightly outside the reference range can be normal. Approximately 5% of healthy individuals may have results outside the reference range.
Preparations for this test
No preparation is needed for this test.
On the day of the test
Remember to take I.D. with you when going to take a test. Sit quietly for 15 minutes before the test is taken.