Lab test glossary · Cholesterol & lipids
HDL Cholesterol: what it means
Also known as: HDL, high-density lipoprotein, good cholesterol
HDL helps clear cholesterol from the blood; higher levels are generally considered protective against heart disease.
What it measures
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for disposal. Because of that role, higher HDL is generally viewed as protective — roughly the opposite interpretation of LDL.
Typical range
Often, HDL of 60 mg/dL or above is considered protective, while below ~40 mg/dL (men) or ~50 mg/dL (women) is considered low.
Reference ranges differ between labs and are printed on your own report — always read your result against that range, not a general one.
What a high result can mean
- Regular exercise
- Genetics
- Moderate alcohol intake (not a reason to start drinking)
A high value is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis — many causes are benign or temporary.
What a low result can mean
- Physical inactivity, smoking, or being overweight
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Genetics
Why the trend matters
HDL tends to move with lifestyle over time, so tracking it across years shows whether exercise and other changes are having an effect.
When to talk to your doctor
A low HDL alongside high triglycerides or LDL is worth reviewing with your doctor as part of your overall metabolic and heart-risk picture.
This page is general education about a common lab test — it isn’t medical advice and can’t interpret your specific result. What a value means depends on your history, symptoms, and the rest of your labs, which is a conversation for you and your clinician.