HDL in a blood test stands for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly called the "good" cholesterol. HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream by carrying it back to the liver, where it is broken down and flushed from the body. This process helps prevent the buildup of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke
. An HDL test measures the amount of HDL cholesterol in your blood and is often part of a lipid panel that also checks total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides
. Higher HDL levels are generally better, with 60 mg/dL or above considered protective against heart disease. Levels below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women are considered low and associated with higher heart disease risk
. In summary, HDL cholesterol is a beneficial fat in your blood that helps clear harmful cholesterol, and its level in a blood test helps assess your cardiovascular health risk. Optimal HDL levels are 60 mg/dL or higher, while lower levels may indicate increased risk for heart problems
