HDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol because it carries excess cholesterol from blood vessels and tissues to the liver. Testing shows how much you have and, together with LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, helps assess heart attack and stroke risk. Low HDL is a good prompt to review diet, activity and other risk factors.

Who the test is for

• adults wishing to check cardiovascular health, for example at a preventive examination;
• smokers and people with high blood pressure, diabetes or excess weight, particularly around the waist;
• people whose close relatives had an early heart attack or stroke;
• people with raised triglycerides or metabolic syndrome;
• to monitor the effect of dietary changes, physical activity or lipid-lowering medicines.

What the test reveals

Cholesterol travels through blood in particles called lipoproteins. LDL cholesterol deposits its excess in artery walls, while HDL does the opposite: it collects excess cholesterol and returns it to the liver for excretion. Low HDL is therefore associated with increased atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke risk.

HDL alone does not give the whole picture. A doctor interprets it alongside total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, from which non-HDL cholesterol, covering all particles harmful to blood vessels, is also calculated.

The procedure and preparation

The sample is venous blood and collection takes a few minutes. Come fasting for about 12 hours without food and with water only, as for other blood lipids. HDL changes little after a meal, but triglycerides, usually measured alongside it, rise, and fasting results are easier to compare with earlier ones. Avoid alcohol and a large, fatty meal the day before. Blood lipids change temporarily after acute illness or surgery, so have the test after recovery.

What your result means

• Low HDL: risk is considered increased below approximately 1,0 mmol/L in men and 1,2 mmol/L in women. Common causes are smoking, insufficient activity, excess weight, type 2 diabetes and raised triglycerides; some people inherit low HDL.
• Normal or higher HDL is favourable but does not cancel the risk from high LDL cholesterol, smoking or high blood pressure.
• Very high HDL does not mean additional protection. It may be inherited or associated with alcohol and some medicines, so a doctor assesses it alongside other findings.

The reference interval is printed on the report. HDL is generally higher in women than men. A doctor interprets the result alongside overall risk; treatment focuses primarily on LDL cholesterol.

How to arrange testing

You can have blood taken without an appointment or referral at one of our branches across Croatia (listed under Contact). Prices for all tests and panels are available in the price list. HDL is part of the Lipid profile panel, which also includes total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides from the same collection, while the General preventive panel contains blood count, glucose and liver enzymes alongside lipids.

Frequently asked questions

What should HDL cholesterol be?

Preferably above approximately 1,0 mmol/L in men and above 1,2 mmol/L in women. LDL cholesterol is more important than HDL alone, with its target depending on overall risk.

How can I raise HDL?

Regular physical activity, stopping smoking and losing excess weight raise HDL. Less sugar and refined carbohydrate also helps. Alcohol can raise it but is not recommended for that purpose.

Is high HDL always good?

Higher HDL is generally favourable but does not cancel other risks. Medicines that only raise HDL have not reliably reduced heart attacks, so treatment focuses on lowering LDL cholesterol.

Do I need to fast for HDL cholesterol?

Yes. Come fasting for about 12 hours without food and with water only, as for other blood lipids. This makes results more reliable and easier to compare with earlier ones.