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High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol. A blood test can be used by a doctor to determine its levels in our blood. An excessive or low amount of HDL cholesterol can raise the risk of developing certain illnesses, like heart disease.
The particles that transport cholesterol through the bloodstream are called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins with high and low densities are the two primary types, namely, HDL and LDL cholesterol. They are referred to as "bad" and "good" cholesterol, respectively. The body uses cholesterol as a building block to create vitamins, hormones, and cells. All of the cholesterol required by the body is produced by the liver, though it can also be found in food.
When attempting to determine a patient's total cholesterol levels, doctors may measure their HDL levels also. This test can also aid in monitoring an individual's response to treatment for cholesterol reduction.
An individual's total cholesterol level can be used to estimate their risk of heart disease. Moreover, assessing HDL cholesterol levels in particular can provide doctors with important information. In general, having high HDL cholesterol is advantageous. LDL cholesterol is transported by HDL cholesterol to the liver, where it is processed by the body and eliminated. On the other hand, excessively high HDL cholesterol levels can result from specific conditions. According to a study, an uncommon genetic variation can cause abnormally high levels of HDL cholesterol. The variation can raise the risk of heart disease by altering how this cholesterol functions in the body. Low HDL cholesterol can be more concerning because it may be a sign that the person is susceptible to heart disease.
Also, read: 6 Early Signs That Can Indicate a Heart Attack
Let’s learn about the possible reasons for an HDL cholesterol test as well as the implications of the results below.
The HDL-C test evaluates the quantity of cholesterol present in high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in a blood sample. A waxy material called cholesterol facilitates healthy cell function in your body. However, the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attacks, and other health issues can increase if specific types of cholesterol accumulate in your arteries.
Given its correlation with improved cardiovascular health, HDL-C is frequently referred to as the "good cholesterol." As opposed to this, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is referred to as "bad cholesterol" due to its link to heart disease.
The two primary components of the lipid panel test are total cholesterol and HDL-C, which are generally measured together. Triglycerides, which are fat molecules, are measured by the common lipid panel test along with total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL-C.
Your heart's condition, including your risk for heart disease, is evaluated through HDL-C testing. One type of cholesterol that is thought to be beneficial and linked to a decreased risk of coronary heart disease events is HDL-C.
The ratio of HDL-C to non-HDL cholesterol can be easily determined by the doctor by measuring both total cholesterol and HDL-C in the same blood sample. This helps the doctor determine the relative amounts of good and bad cholesterol, which is important for evaluating the state of your heart health.
Assessing your HDL-C level can help with heart, blood vessel, and circulation health screening, monitoring, and diagnosis.
Usually from an arm vein, a blood sample is taken from the patient. The serum or plasma is then separated from the blood cells by processing the blood sample. Chemical precipitation or ultracentrifugation are two methods used to separate HDL cholesterol from other lipoproteins (like LDL and VLDL). An enzymatic reaction is subsequently applied to the separated HDL cholesterol. The cholesterol in the HDL particles reacts with certain enzymes to produce a quantifiable product. A spectrophotometer is used to measure the enzymatic reaction's product and determine how much HDL cholesterol is present in it by measuring its absorbance at a specific wavelength. Following that, this value is expressed in either millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or milligrammes per decilitre (mg/dL).
For a lab HDL cholesterol test, you typically need to fast for nine to twelve hours before having your blood taken. This means that you should only drink water and not eat anything before the exam. In certain situations, an HDL cholesterol test can be performed without fasting. But always follow the pre-test instructions carefully, and consult your doctor ahead of time to determine whether you need to fast.
Higher levels of HDL-C are preferable since they are referred to as "good cholesterol," with levels above 60 mg/dL generally being regarded as excellent. Most people have a lower risk of heart disease when their HDL-C level is greater than 60 mg/dL. However, certain medications, alcohol misuse, and thyroid issues can result in elevated HDL-C levels. Certain hereditary disorders can also result in elevated HDL-C. Elevated HDL-C might not be helpful in these less frequent situations. HDL-C levels below 40 mg/dL are regarded as low.
A low level of HDL-C increases the risk for cardiac issues, which can include life-threatening diseases like heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, a low HDL-C level may indicate an underlying medical condition such as diabetes. When low HDL-C is combined with other abnormal cholesterol levels, like high levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, or with conditions like high blood pressure, the health risks can escalate. Low HDL-C levels can also result from a number of inflammatory medical conditions, some drugs, certain genetic disorders, infections, and infections.
High levels of HDL cholesterol, sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol, may be advantageous. On the other hand, excessively high or low levels can raise the chance of developing heart disease. Although it is generally advised by doctors to check cholesterol levels every 4-6 years, some individuals, such as those who have a high risk of heart disease, should have these tests done on a regular basis. During the test, a blood sample is provided. This could be a component of a lipid panel, a test that aids doctors in determining overall blood cholesterol levels.
Take control of your HDL cholesterol levels right now and make way for better heart health. Get your HDL Cholesterol Test done now.
Q1: Why is an HDL cholesterol test necessary?
A: The amount of high-density lipoprotein, or good, cholesterol in your blood is determined by an HDL cholesterol test. Your risk of heart disease may be lowered by high HDL levels.
Q2: In a blood test, what is normal HDL?
A: The ideal level of HDL cholesterol is greater than 40 mg/dL. Because it reduces your risk of heart disease, this kind of fat is actually beneficial to you. Your risk decreases with increasing numbers. The recommended limit for protection against heart disease is 60 mg/dL or higher.
Q3: What happens if HDL levels are low?
A: Because it helps your body eliminate "bad" cholesterol (LDL), the "good" cholesterol, or HDL, is crucial. You have a higher risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke if your HDL levels are low. HDL levels can be lowered by specific medical conditions.
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