An HDL Blood Test can tell you about the levels of good cholesterol or High-density lipoproteins in your blood. It is important to know your cholesterol levels for measuring your heart health.
HDL, or High-density lipoprotein, is also called good cholesterol. It helps in the removal of other bad cholesterol from your blood. You have a lower risk of heart disease if you have higher HDL levels in your bloodstream.
The ideal HDL levels for men and women are 60 mg/dL or above.
A 40 mg/dL or less level for men and 50 mg/dL or less for women indicates a higher risk factor for heart disease.
HDL stands for high density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol. It helps remove excess fat from the body. What does HDL stand for?
HDL (high density lipoprotein) is a type of protein found in human blood plasma that transports fats, such as triglycerides, to cells throughout the body. The transport of these fats requires energy, so the liver produces them into VLDL (very low density lipoprotein). When the levels of VLDL rise too high, they contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
HDL cholesterol is often measured using a simple blood test called the lipid panel test. This test measures LDL (low density lipoproteins), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If you want to check your HDL level, ask your doctor to order a separate test called the HDL particle concentration test.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is useful for building cells in your body and is carried through your body by attaching to proteins called lipoproteins. While low-density lipoproteins (LDL) can build up and block your blood vessels, high-density lipoproteins pick up the excess cholesterol in your bloodstream and clear it away to your liver to be broken down and removed from the body.
Why should you do an HDL Blood Test?
An HDL blood test will help you determine your risk of developing heart disease. Knowing your cholesterol numbers can help you make the proper lifestyle changes for your health in good time.
<Read: How a doctor of education reduced her heart attack risk by over 60%>
HDL is anti-inflammatory, protecting against the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and diabetes.
On the other hand, low HDL can be associated with a higher risk of inflammatory disorders such as malignancy, diabetes, and other diseases.
Who should take an HDL Blood Test?
You may want to do an HDL Blood Test as part of your general health screening. The Lab.Me Crucial,and Women's and Men's Health Tests all include an HDL test and an HDL as the total percentage of cholesterol test.
If you have identified risk factors for heart disease (click to read how to predict your risk of heart attack over the next 10 years) or if previous tests have shown low levels of HDL, regular HDL blood tests or as part of frequent lipid panel tests, can help you monitor your health and treatment progress.
Some of the lifestyle factors that put your more at risk for heart disease are:
- Being overweight
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- A sedentary or inactive lifestyle
- Older than 45 for men and older than 55 for women
- High blood pressure
- Family history of heart disease
- Existing heart disease or previous heart attack
- Diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes
An at-home blood test is one of the most convenient ways to ensure you keep track of your cholesterol numbers and also for monitoring whether any current treatment is working to lower your LDL and increase your HDL levels.
The results of your lipid panels and cholesterol tests can help you develop a treatment plan that may involve lifestyle changes or medications. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any treatment plan.
Lab.Me offers highly accurate at home HDL blood tests from the Crucial Health Check to help you monitor your cardiovascular and liver health to the comprehensive Executive Health Check.
The executive tests also include cortisol which can also determine your risk of heart issues. Read more about why and how to fix it.
Results are available online in 2-3 days after the lab receives your test.
