Lipids & Cardiovascular
HDL Cholesterol
Lipids & Cardiovascular
Protective 'good' cholesterol. Higher levels are better for heart health.
VAT-exempt medical service
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein, and it is often referred to as the good cholesterol because it helps return LDL cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body. Healthy HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. Wellth offers HDL cholesterol testing through accredited Swedish laboratories as part of a comprehensive lipid assessment, giving you actionable insight into your cardiovascular health.
Testing HDL cholesterol is essential for assessing your heart health and identifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, or if you smoke, have high blood pressure, or follow an unhealthy diet, regular HDL monitoring is particularly important. If previous tests have shown elevated cardiovascular risk, tracking HDL levels helps you evaluate whether lifestyle changes or treatments are having the desired effect.
What a high value can mean
High HDL cholesterol was previously considered universally beneficial, but newer research suggests the picture is more nuanced. In healthy individuals, higher HDL is generally protective against heart disease. However, very high HDL has been associated with certain autoimmune processes. For optimal cardiovascular protection, HDL must be interpreted alongside LDL and triglyceride levels. Studies show that higher HDL reduces cardiovascular risk primarily when LDL and triglycerides remain low.
What a low value can mean
Low HDL cholesterol can indicate inflammatory processes, genetic conditions, or lifestyle factors such as smoking, consumption of hydrogenated fats, lack of exercise, and obesity. It may also be associated with insulin resistance, hyperthyroidism, heavy metal exposure, atherosclerosis, and fatty liver disease. Low HDL increases the risk of heart disease and warrants further cardiovascular evaluation.
No specific preparation is required for a standalone HDL test. If tested as part of a full lipid panel, you may be asked to fast. Bring valid identification.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
Generally, HDL levels above 1.0 mmol/L for men and 1.3 mmol/L for women are considered desirable. However, interpretation depends on your complete lipid profile and overall health.
Regular aerobic exercise, quitting smoking, losing excess weight, eating healthy fats such as olive oil and fatty fish, and moderate alcohol consumption have all been shown to increase HDL levels.
Not necessarily. While higher HDL is generally protective, research suggests that extremely high HDL may be associated with certain health conditions. Context from your complete lipid panel and medical history is essential.
A complete lipid panel including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides provides the most comprehensive picture. HDL alone does not give enough context for cardiovascular risk assessment.