What is the significance of hdl

You don't usually need to do anything before an HDL test. But if you're having a complete lipid panel, you will probably have to fast for 9 to 12 hours before having the test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. Search Encyclopedia. HDL Cholesterol Does this test have other names? High-density lipoprotein cholesterol What is this test?

Why do I need this test? Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's found in all of your cells and has several useful functions, including helping to build your body's cells. It's carried through your bloodstream attached to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins. Medications known as statins — such as atorvastatin Lipitor and simvastatin Zocor — are the most common treatment for high LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams mg of cholesterol per deciliter dL of blood or millimoles mmol per liter L.

When it comes to HDL cholesterol, higher numbers are better. To some extent, people who have naturally higher levels of HDL cholesterol are at lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

It's less clear whether that same benefit holds true for people who increase their HDL levels with medications. Lifestyle changes known to increase HDL, such as moving more, quitting smoking or improving your diet, have been shown to lower the risk of heart attacks, However, medications that specifically increase HDL levels have failed to reduce the rate of heart attacks.

This may be caused by genetic factors. HDL levels are typically lower in people who have metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that include obesity, increased blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. Besides helping you lose weight, increased physical activity can lower your triglycerides, the most common type of fat in your body, while increasing your HDL levels.

Benefits can be seen with as little as 60 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise a week. Foods prepared with shortening, such as cakes and cookies, often contain trans fats, as do most fried foods and some margarines. Limit saturated fat, found in meats and full-fat dairy products, as well. If you smoke, find a way to quit. Moderate use of alcohol has been linked with higher levels of HDL cholesterol.

For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. However, if you don't drink, don't start drinking to raise your HDL cholesterol levels. Too much alcohol can cause weight gain, and might increase your blood pressure and triglyceride levels. HDL levels are sometimes improved by drugs used to lower LDL and triglyceride levels — such as prescription niacin; fibrates such as gemfibrozil Lopid ; and certain statins, particularly simvastatin Zocor and rosuvastatin Crestor.

But clinical trials for several drugs specifically designed to increase HDL levels were halted early because they didn't reduce the risk of heart attacks. Drugs containing testosterone and other anabolic steroids can lower your HDL cholesterol levels.

Avoiding these drugs may help increase your HDL numbers. When and how often you should get this test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history.

The general recommendations are:. With HDL cholesterol, higher numbers are better, because a high HDL level can lower your risk for coronary artery disease and stroke. How high your HDL should be depends on your age and sex:. If your HDL level is too low, lifestyle changes may help. These changes may also help prevent other diseases, and make you feel better overall:. Some cholesterol medicines , including certain statins , can raise your HDL level, in addition to lowering your LDL level.

Health care providers don't usually prescribe medicines only to raise HDL. If you are taking one of these and you have a very low HDL level, ask your provider if you should continue to take them. Diabetes can also lower your HDL level, so that gives you another reason to manage your diabetes. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

Research has shown people with healthy HDL cholesterol levels are at a lower risk for coronary artery disease. Your doctor can check your cholesterol levels using a simple test. This full set of tests is known as a complete cholesterol test, a lipid profile, or a lipid panel. Doctors routinely use this group of tests to determine the risk of developing heart disease. An HDL test may also be ordered as a follow-up test if you have high results on your cholesterol-screening test.

The American Heart Association recommends that all adults age 20 or older have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. Your doctor may order an HDL test as part of a regular checkup. Doctors may perform the test regularly for people who are at risk for heart disease, including those who:. Your doctor may also order the test to monitor the effectiveness of treatments or to see if lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, or smoking cessation are successful at lowering your cholesterol levels.

Home tests to check cholesterol are available, including HDL-specific tests. An HDL test requires a simple, routine blood draw. This rarely causes any serious issues. The risks of giving a blood sample include:.