HDL cholesterol
A test that measures high-density lipoproteins (HDL): the "good" cholesterol. HDLs carry cholesterol in the blood from other parts of the body back to the liver, which leads to its removal from the body.
| HDL cholesterol level | HDL cholesterol category |
|---|---|
| Less than 40 mg/dL | A major risk factor for heart disease |
| 40 - 59 mg/dL | The higher, the better |
| 60 mg/dL and above | Considered protective against heart disease |