HDL Cholesterol, Direct Test
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About HDL Cholesterol, Direct Test
A high-density lipoprotein or HDL test measures the level of HDL in your blood. HDL is known as good cholesterol, which means higher levels of HDL in your body are an indication that you are less likely to have cardiovascular diseases. An HDL test is normally performed as part of the lipid profile test. Healthcare providers use this test to screen your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as narrowed or blocked blood vessels (atherosclerosis), heart attack, or stroke.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also called bad cholesterol, is in complete contrast with HDL. This is due to the fact that HDL transports cholesterol to the liver, where it is eliminated from the bloodstream before it deposits in the arteries. LDL, on the other hand, transports cholesterol directly to your arteries. Therefore, it is essential to maintain high HDL levels and low LDL levels in order to stay healthy.
HDL Cholesterol testing is also known as HDL-C Test, Good Cholesterol Test, High-Density Lipoprotein Test, High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Test.
HDL has role in transportation of fatty acids from tissues to the liver and in esterification of PUFA (poly-unsaturated fatty acids). It also helps in the regulation of glucose metabolism and prevents formation of thrombus in the heart (blood clots).
HDL Cholesterol, Direct test is done to determine the level of high-density lipoprotein in your body. Low levels of HDL are an indication of heart disease. Thus, getting your HDL test done is recommended to prevent cholesterol-related heart diseases
What is an HDL test used for?
HDL cholesterol, direct test is used to determine:
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Cholesterol risk
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Risk of heart disease
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Treatment response
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Diagnose other diseases
Who should get tested?
An HDL test is recommended to be performed frequently in adults who have risk factors for heart disease. Even for adults with no risk factors, this test is recommended every four to six years. Examples of risk factors include
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Age over 45 years for men and 50-55 years for women
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High cholesterol on a prior test
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Past history of heart disease
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Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
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Being overweight or obese
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Smoking cigarettes
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Alcohol consumption
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Having high blood pressure (hypertension)
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Having diabetes or prediabetes
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Eating an unhealthy diet
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Inactive lifestyle
Test preparation
Fasting for 10 to 12 hours is required before taking the HDL test. During this time, only water can be consumed. The patient is advised to not drink any beverages in the morning, such as tea, coffee, or milk, until the sample collection is completed. Make sure to follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional before the test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
HDL cholesterol - Interpretation of results in milligrams per litre
| Range of HDL levels | Inference |
|---|---|
| > 60 mg/L | Optimal |
| 40 – 60 mg/L | Intermediate |
| < 40 mg/L | High |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
- Having lower-than-normal levels of HDL can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Having higher-than-normal levels of HDL can decrease your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Having higher-than-normal levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
FAQs on HDL Cholesterol, Direct Test
The HDL test measures the level of high-density lipoprotein in the body and is used for screening, monitoring, diagnosis, and follow-up of heart diseases and other medical conditions
A healthcare professional collects a small amount of blood from a vein in the arm using a needle, which is stored in a test tube or vial. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes
There are no known risks. Minor pain or bruising at the needle insertion site may occur but usually resolves quickly
HDL test results are typically available within 24 hours, although it may take longer in some cases
HDL levels may be affected by body mass, fat percentage, use of contraceptive medications, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and certain disease conditions
HDL Cholesterol, Direct Test
