HDL is a “good” cholesterol

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TIETOPAKETIT

HDL is a “good” cholesterol

What is HDL cholesterol?

HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, transport cholesterol from the walls of arteries and other tissues back to the liver where it breaks down. This type of cholesterol is also referred to as “good” cholesterol. Good cholesterol has been linked to a lower risk of arterial disease in several studies.

How can I get my HDL cholesterol tested?

Check out the Puhti laboratory packages, which include cholesterol measurement. HDL test is part of the total cholesterol measurement.

Cholesterol measurement is included in the following test packages:

• Puhti laboratory package
• Extensive Puhti laboratory package women
• Extensive Puhti laboratory package men

Through Puhti, you can also easily book a remote appointment with a doctor as a separate service, during which you can go through all the results.

What factors affect HDL levels (good cholesterol)?

HDL cholesterol levels are influenced by genetics, gender, and lifestyle. Women usually have more HDL cholesterol than men because of estrogen. 

High HDL levels

The amount of good cholesterol can be increased by exercising, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking. 

• Remember to exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day several times a week. Exercise lowers the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood and raises HDL cholesterol. In addition, exercise is an important part of weight management as abdominal obesity raises cholesterol. 
• Quality of diet does not directly affect the level of good cholesterol (HDL). However, a healthy diet can promote achieving a normal weight. The quality of fats and nutrition in particular, affect the level of LDL cholesterol.

Low HDL levels

Cholesterol can be decreased in the following situations: 

• Smoking reduces the amount of HDL cholesterol. Quitting smoking is always a good idea.
• Abdominal obesity and related fatty liver decrease the concentration of HDL cholesterol. Weight loss and increased physical activity can in turn increase the level of good HDL cholesterol.
• Lack of exercise. Inactivity reduces HDL cholesterol and increases LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Regular exercise increases blood HDL levels and reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Aging.
• Medications. Some drugs can lower HDL cholesterol. Such medications include anabolic steroids, beta-blockers (blood pressure medication), and birth control pills.

Recommended values for HDL cholesterol

Recommended values are:

Over 1.2 mmol/L for women

Over 1.0 mmol/L for men 

The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol should not exceed four (4).

Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method. Puhti samples are taken and analysed at the laboratories of Mehiläinen. 

Why is HDL cholesterol measured?

Test is part of the total cholesterol measurement. Test shows the amount of good HDL cholesterol in the blood. Good cholesterol has been linked to a lower risk of arterial disease in studies. 

Regular blood tests will help to identify elevated cholesterol levels and enable appropriate treatment. 

Cholesterol tells you about the health of your blood vessels

LDL is a “bad” cholesterol

Non-HDL cholesterol

Triglycerides (Trigly) are sources of energy