HDL Cholesterol: What It Is and What Your Results Mean
Bottom line: HDL is 'good' cholesterol that removes plaque from arteries. Above 60 mg/dL is protective. Higher is better for heart health.
What Is HDL Cholesterol?
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as 'good cholesterol' because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
HDL particles act as scavengers, picking up excess cholesterol from your blood and artery walls and carrying it back to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body. This process, called reverse cholesterol transport, is one of the body's key defenses against atherosclerosis.
Unlike other cholesterol markers where lower is better, with HDL higher is better. Low HDL is an independent risk factor for heart disease even when LDL is normal.
HDL Cholesterol Reference Ranges
| Classification | Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Very Low — Major Risk Factor | Below 30 |
| Low | 30 - 39 |
| Borderline Low | 40 - 49 |
| Acceptable | 50 - 59 |
| Optimal — Protective | 60 - 100 |
| Very High | 101 - 150 |
What Affects Your HDL Cholesterol Levels?
- Exercise, especially aerobic activity
- Smoking (quitting raises HDL)
- Body weight
- Diet, particularly healthy fats like olive oil and fatty fish
- Genetics
- Moderate alcohol consumption (though this is not recommended as a strategy)
When to Get Tested
HDL is measured as part of a standard lipid panel. Adults should be tested every 4-6 years starting at age 20. More frequent testing if you have cardiovascular risk factors.
Look Up Your HDL Cholesterol Result
Select your value below to see a detailed breakdown of what it means:
Very Low — Major Risk Factor
Low
Borderline Low
Acceptable
Optimal — Protective
Very High
Read the Full Cholesterol Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
60 mg/dL or higher is optimal and protective against heart disease. Below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women is considered a risk factor for heart disease.
Regular aerobic exercise is the most effective way to raise HDL, typically by 3-9%. Quitting smoking, losing weight, and eating healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish also help.
Very high HDL (above 100 mg/dL) is rare but has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk in some studies. Extremely high levels should be discussed with your doctor.
