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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Cardiovascular

HDL cholesterol levels: what do they tell you about your vascular protection?

HDL cholesterol is a cornerstone of cardiovascular health screening. Regular monitoring helps assess your heart's protective factors and guide preventive action.

Reference Ranges

Male
mmol/l
Low > 1 Normal
Female
mmol/l
Low > 1.2 Normal

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the amount of cholesterol carried by HDL particles in your blood. HDL acts as a scavenger, removing cholesterol from arterial walls.

Why It Matters

HDL cholesterol is a key component of cardiovascular risk assessment. Low HDL may be associated with increased heart disease risk, while healthy levels support arterial protection. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

When to Test

HDL testing is part of a standard lipid panel and is recommended for routine cardiovascular screening. Testing frequency depends on your age and risk factors.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Low HDL does not typically cause symptoms but increases cardiovascular risk over time. It may be associated with metabolic syndrome, physical inactivity, and smoking.

High Levels

High HDL is generally protective. Very high levels are usually not a concern but should be discussed with your healthcare provider in context of your overall lipid profile.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low HDL increases cardiovascular risk. Consider more exercise and healthy fats.

If High

High HDL is protective and beneficial for heart health.

Female

If Low

Low HDL increases cardiovascular risk. Consider more exercise and healthy fats.

If High

High HDL is protective and beneficial for heart health.

Lifestyle Tips

Regular aerobic exercise is the most effective way to raise HDL. Eating healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocados), maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking also support HDL levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is HDL called "good" cholesterol?
HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries and transport it to the liver for disposal, reducing plaque build-up and cardiovascular risk.
What is the best way to raise HDL?
Regular aerobic exercise is the most effective method. A diet rich in healthy fats, moderate alcohol intake, and not smoking also help.
Can HDL be too high?
Extremely high HDL is rare and generally not a concern. However, the quality and function of HDL particles matter alongside the quantity. Discuss your levels with your healthcare provider.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Whoop

A 44-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Omega-3 Index Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Complete Blood Count (CBC)
€499,-

InsideTracker

A 36-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Magnesium (Intracellular) Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Complete Blood Count (CBC)
€399,-