Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is HDL cholesterol?
- When should I take HDL cholesterol?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking HDL cholesterol?
- Process
- What should I do before taking HDL cholesterol?
- How is HDL cholesterol processed?
- What should I do after taking HDL cholesterol?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
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Definition
What is HDL cholesterol?
The HDL test measures the level of "good" cholesterol in the blood. HDL is a high density lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are formed from protein and fat. HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it carries the 'bad' cholesterol, a low-density lipoprotein (low density lipoprotein), triglycerides, and harmful fats and return them to the liver for processing. When HDL reaches the liver, the liver will break down LDL, convert it into bile and remove it from the body.
Research has shown people with healthy HDL cholesterol levels have a lower risk of developing coronary artery disease.
When should I take HDL cholesterol?
The HDL cholesterol test can be done as a follow-up test of the high cholesterol test results. The HDL cholesterol test is usually not done alone but includes a series of other tests, including cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides as part of the lipid profile at the time of the medical examination. It is recommended that adults be seen at least once every five years.
The HDL cholesterol test, part of the lipid profile, may be done more frequently for people who have higher risk factors for heart disease. The biggest risk factors include:
- smoke
- age (men 45 years and over or women 55 years and over)
- hypertension (blood pressure 140/90 or higher or using high blood pressure medications)
- family history of premature heart disease (immediate family heart disease - male relatives under 55 or female relatives under 65)
- pre-existing heart disease or have had a heart attack
- diabetes mellitus
Lipid profile testing is recommended for children and adults. Children should be tested at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between the ages of 17 and 21. In adults, additional tests may be needed for young adults with risk factors or if tests show a higher than normal result. Some of the risk factors include a family history of heart disease or health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or being overweight. Doctors may refer to lipid profile checks in children under 9 years of age if their parents have high cholesterol.
The HDL cholesterol test can also be referred to at regular intervals to evaluate the success of lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise or quitting smoking to raise HDL cholesterol.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking HDL cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol should be measured when a person is in good health. Cholesterol levels will be temporarily low when you have an acute illness, after a heart attack, or when you are stressed (such as after surgery or an accident). You must wait at least 6 weeks after any illness to measure cholesterol.
In women, HDL cholesterol levels can change during pregnancy. Women should wait at least 6 weeks after giving birth to have their HDL cholesterol levels measured.
Process
What should I do before taking HDL cholesterol?
The doctor will provide complete instructions for preparing for the test. Preparations may include temporarily stopping certain medications or fasting for up to 12 hours before the test.
How is HDL cholesterol processed?
The HDL test is fairly quick to perform and relatively painless. Requires taking a blood sample using a syringe. You will feel a sting from the needle in the area where the blood sample was taken. Some tests, such as the home test, only require a drop of blood, drawn using a small needle called a lancet.
When enough blood is drawn, the blood is transferred to an ampoule attached to a syringe, and the sample is packaged and sent to the laboratory for testing.
What should I do after taking HDL cholesterol?
You will be notified of the date your test results were taken. The doctor will explain your test results. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
The optimal level of HDL cholesterol is above 40 mg / dL for men and above 50 mg / dL for women. Typical levels in women (50 to 59 mg / dL) and men (40 to 50 mg / dL) put them at average risk for heart disease. Lower numbers mean a higher chance of risk for this disease.
