HDL cholesterol
What it measures
HDL helps carry cholesterol away from your arteries to your liver, which is why it's sometimes called the 'good' cholesterol.
Often reported in mg/dL. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, ages and sexes, so always compare with the range printed on your own report.
Why it matters
Higher HDL is generally considered favorable, but it's one part of a broader lipid picture rather than a number to optimize in isolation.
Questions worth asking
- How does this fit with my LDL and triglyceride results?
- Are there lifestyle factors that commonly influence HDL worth discussing?
- Is this consistent with past results, or a new change?
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Educational information only. Not a diagnosis, not treatment advice, and not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional.