HDL cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol that helps carry extra cholesterol away, supporting heart health.
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Clinicians order HDL cholesterol to help assess heart disease risk and guide prevention plans. It informs lifestyle and medication decisions alongside LDL, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B. People with risk factors or on lipid therapy benefit from tracking it over time. You can test this marker with Aniva across Germany and Finland.
Clinicians order HDL cholesterol to help assess heart disease risk and guide prevention plans. It informs lifestyle and medication decisions alongside LDL, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B. People with risk factors or on lipid therapy benefit from tracking it over time. You can test this marker with Aniva across Germany and Finland.
High: Can be seen with a favorable lipid balance. Very high levels are not always protective; context matters.
Low: Linked to higher long-term heart risk. Focus on overall risk, including LDL, apolipoprotein B, blood pressure, and lifestyle. Your clinician may recheck and review steps that fit your goals.
Common factors that may shift HDL cholesterol include recent infection or inflammation, heavy alcohol use, smoking, pregnancy, and some medicines (beta-blockers, steroids, diuretics, antiretrovirals). Supplements and hormones can play a role, and intense exercise within 24 hours or dehydration may alter results slightly. Large fatty meals can raise triglycerides, which can affect some HDL methods.
Special situations (when to confirm or adjust): test when you are well; repeat if triglycerides are very high or results are unexpected; consider timing adjustments during pregnancy or rapid weight change.
What does my HDL cholesterol result mean? Higher HDL often reflects a more favorable lipid profile. Lower HDL suggests higher long-term heart risk, but results should be viewed with other markers.
Do I need to fast for this test? No. Fasting is usually not needed for HDL. If triglycerides are high or results are unclear, your clinician may request a fasting recheck.
What can affect HDL levels? Alcohol, smoking, exercise, pregnancy, illness, and some medicines or supplements can change levels. Tell your clinician about all drugs and products you use.
How often should I test HDL? Testing frequency depends on your age, risk, and whether you are on treatment. Many people check it as part of periodic lipid panels.
How long do results take? Most labs report HDL within 1–3 business days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Ask how HDL fits with LDL, apolipoprotein B, triglycerides, your family history, and lifestyle, and whether any changes or follow-up are needed.
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