HDL 'Good' Cholesterol Testing (HDL)

HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol away from artery walls, so higher levels are generally considered beneficial. Higher HDL cholesterol is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Lower HDL cholesterol is often associated with lack of exercise, smoking, and poorer dietary patterns such as higher intake of fried foods and higher alcohol consumption. HDL cholesterol can also be temporarily lower during sudden illness or during recovery from surgery or an accident.

Higher HDL cholesterol levels are often viewed positively, and lifestyle patterns are commonly discussed in relation to HDL levels.

• HDL levels can rise, and triglycerides can fall, with increased physical activity. Even relatively small amounts of moderate aerobic exercise have been associated with meaningful differences.
• Trans fats are linked with higher LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Higher trans fat intake is often associated with greater consumption of fried foods and baked goods such as cakes, pie crusts, biscuits, and frozen pizza, and with re-using oil at home.
• Lower saturated fat intake is sometimes described as beneficial, for example through lower intake of full-fat dairy products and leaner cuts of meat. Dietary patterns emphasising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, and nuts are commonly linked with healthier lipid profiles.
• Smoking tobacco is associated with higher LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol, particularly in women. Smoking can also be associated with higher triglyceride levels.
• Moderate alcohol use has been linked to higher HDL levels, while heavier alcohol intake can contribute to weight gain and may be associated with higher blood pressure and triglyceride levels, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk.