HDL Cholesterol meaning
HDL stands for High-Density Lipoprotein and is commonly referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol. Unlike LDL cholesterol, which can build up in the walls of your blood vessels, HDL has a protective function. It clears excess cholesterol from the blood and vessel walls and transports it back to the liver. There, the cholesterol is broken down and removed from the body via bile.
A high HDL level is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease because it helps keep the arteries clean (preventing atherosclerosis). Factors such as physical exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking play a major role in maintaining this biomarker at a healthy level.
HDL Cholesterol values and interpretation
HDL cholesterol values are expressed in mmol/L. Different reference values apply to men and women because women biologically tend to have higher average HDL levels.
HDL Cholesterol values for men
Below is an overview of the HDL values for men between the ages of 18 and 100.
- Low: When the value is below 0.91 mmol/L, it is considered abnormal and too low. A low HDL level means there is less protection against the buildup of fats in the vessel walls, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Caution: A value between 0.91 and 0.96 mmol/L technically falls within the normal range but is considered ‘cautionary’ because it is on the lower side. This is often a good time to review lifestyle factors.
- Normal: A value between 0.96 and 10 mmol/L is considered good. This indicates a healthy amount of protective cholesterol in the blood.
HDL Cholesterol values for woman
Below is an overview of the HDL values for women between the ages of 18 and 100.
- Low: For women, a value below 1.17 mmol/L is considered abnormal and too low. This result indicates reduced natural protection for the blood vessels.
- Caution: A value between 1.17 and 1.23 mmol/L falls within the margins but is on the lower side. It is advisable to remain alert to the overall cholesterol balance.
- Normal: A value between 1.23 and 10 mmol/L is considered good. This indicates an optimal protective effect of the HDL cholesterol.
HDL cholesterol values and interpretation (in table)
You can also find the HDL cholesterol values and their interpretation in table form below, so that you can easily understand what the values say about your health.
| Status | Unit | Value min-max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abnormal | mmol/L | 0 - 0.91 | 18 - 100 | Male | HDL cholesterol falls outside the normal range and is too low. |
| Caution | mmol/L | 0.91 - 0.96 | 18 - 100 | Male | HDL cholesterol falls within the normal range but is on the lower side. |
| Normal | mmol/L | 0.96 - 10 | 18 - 100 | Male | HDL cholesterol is good. |
| Abnormal | mmol/L | 0 - 1.17 | 18 - 100 | Female | HDL cholesterol falls outside the normal range and is too low. |
| Caution | mmol/L | 1.17 - 1.23 | 18 - 100 | Female | HDL cholesterol falls within the normal range but is on the lower side. |
| Normal | mmol/L | 1.23 - 10 | 18 - 100 | Female | HDL cholesterol is good. |
