Also called: Good cholesterol, HDL-C, Lipid panel constituent
Report
{context.blood_test.parameters} Parameters
What it checks
Report delivery
Test for
Age group
Commonly advised for
HDL cholesterol, known as "good cholesterol," helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries and transport it to the liver for elimination. Higher HDL levels protect against heart disease and stroke.
Unlike LDL, low HDL is a significant cardiovascular risk factor even if total cholesterol appears normal.
Why Is This Test Recommended?
This test is recommended to:
Assess heart disease risk
Monitor lipid therapy effectiveness
Evaluate lifestyle impact on cholesterol
Screen individuals with family history of heart disease
Guide preventive cardiovascular care
Understanding HDL Cholesterol
Higher HDL levels are protective against cardiovascular disease, while low HDL levels increase risk. HDL acts as a scavenger, collecting excess cholesterol from blood vessels and tissues.
Symptoms or Conditions That May Require This Test
You may need this test if you have:
A family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or early cardiovascular events
Diabetes or prediabetes, which commonly lowers HDL levels
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Obesity or a BMI above 30
Hypothyroidism, which can alter lipid metabolism and lower HDL
A history of smoking, heavy alcohol use, or a sedentary lifestyle
Post-menopausal status in women, as declining estrogen levels are associated with reduced HDL
Why Do I Need This Test?
This test is a critical component of understanding your true cardiovascular risk.
Total cholesterol alone can be misleading - someone with normal total cholesterol may still have dangerously low HDL, placing them at significant risk for artery disease.
By measuring HDL specifically, your doctor can calculate important ratios such as the Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio and identify imbalances that require lifestyle changes or medical management.
It is a simple, test that delivers information capable of preventing serious long-term health complications.
How Do I Prepare for the Test?
Fasting for 9–12 hours is required.
Avoid alcohol consumption before the test.
Inform your doctor about all current medications.
Morning sample collection is preferred for best accuracy.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm.
What Happens After the Test?
Results are reviewed alongside your complete lipid profile to assess overall cardiovascular risk.
When Should I Consult a Doctor?
Contact your doctor promptly if:
HDL levels are below 40 mg/dL in men or below 50 mg/dL in women, indicating elevated cardiovascular risk
HDL is low despite a healthy lifestyle, which may suggest a genetic lipid disorder
Your Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio is elevated, signaling a higher likelihood of plaque buildup in arteries
Results are combined with other abnormalities such as high LDL or high triglycerides
You are already on cholesterol-lowering therapy and HDL levels have not improved as expected
Risks Associated With This Test
Minimal risk related to blood draw only.
Lifestyle Tips to Improve HDL Levels
Engage in regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Consume heart-healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts, avocados, and fatty fish, which support HDL production.
Quit smoking - smoking directly lowers HDL cholesterol and quitting is associated with a measurable rise in HDL levels.
Limit refined carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods, which can lower HDL while raising triglycerides.
Maintain a healthy weight, as even modest weight loss in overweight individuals can raise HDL levels.
What Does This Test Measure?
The test measures HDL cholesterol, the protective cholesterol fraction that helps prevent arterial plaque buildup.
The general reference ranges for HDL Cholesterol are:
Low (High Risk): Below 40 mg/dL in men; below 50 mg/dL in women - associated with an increased risk of heart disease
Borderline: 40–59 mg/dL - acceptable but not optimal; lifestyle improvement is advised
Optimal (Protective): 60 mg/dL and above - considered cardioprotective; associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
What Should I Do If Results Are Abnormal?
Lifestyle changes including diet modification and exercise are primary interventions. Medications may be required in some cases based on overall cardiovascular risk.
Factors Affecting Results
Genetics, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, certain medications, and metabolic conditions.
HDL vs LDL
HDL protects by removing cholesterol from arteries; LDL contributes to arterial plaque formation and cardiovascular disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is high HDL always good?
Generally, yes; higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease, though extremely high levels may rarely indicate other conditions requiring evaluation.
Can diet raise HDL?
Yes, consuming healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and reducing refined carbohydrates can modestly increase HDL levels.
Does exercise help?
Strongly; regular aerobic exercise is one of the most effective ways to raise HDL cholesterol naturally.
Is fasting required?
Yes, fasting for 9–12 hours is required for accurate HDL measurement as part of a complete lipid profile.
Can medicines raise HDL?
Limited effect; while some medications like niacin can increase HDL, lifestyle changes remain the primary approach for HDL improvement.
HDL is the cholesterol that helps clear fat from your blood vessels. This test is advised if:
Tapadia Diagnostic Centre in Secunderabad offers NABL-accredited HDL Cholesterol test from a Blood sample(s). Good cholesterol, HDL-C, Lipid panel constituent is also prescribed for Chest pain or no symptoms. Established in 1989, this doctor-led diagnostic centre ensures high accuracy. Home sample collection and walk-in facility available at our Secunderabad center. Pay at the centre with no advance payment. Book online or visit us.
Sree Ranganatha Swamy Devasthanam, Yapral, H.No. 5-3-1, Bhagat Singh Nagar, Yapral
Services: Lab, ECG
Branch Incharge: Mr. Praveen Gupta : 9848056578
59/1/2(6-1R-002), Karkana,Secunderabad-09
Services: Lab, X Ray, ECG
Phone No: 9281063662
Branch Incharge: Mr. ASHOK : 9246846874
6-1-103, Ground Floor, Padma raonagar, Secunderabad.
Services: Lab, X Ray, ECG, U/S Scan
Phone No: 9390110059
Branch Incharge: Mr. Suman- 8179607955
HDL Cholesterol in Secunderabad
Rated 4.6 on Google
From 6,477 patient reviews across our Hyderabad centres.
Every report, kept for you
Past reports stay in your account and can be downloaded again.
NABL accredited
Every result reviewed by a qualified pathologist before it reaches you.
Four decades of practice
A family-run diagnostic centre, trusted by doctors and households since 1989


HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Serum-Elisa Method in Secunderabad
Dengue IgG, IgM Antibodies + NS1 Antigen-Rapid, Serum in Secunderabad
Lipoprotein A (Lp A), Serum in Secunderabad
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) in Secunderabad
Thyroxine Total (T4), Serum in Secunderabad
Triiodothyronine Total (T3), Serum in Secunderabad
CA 19.9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker), Serum in Secunderabad
NIPT with Microdeletions in Secunderabad
NIPT Basic in Secunderabad
Complete Blood Picture (CBP) in Secunderabad
Serum Phosphorus Test in Secunderabad
TIBC in Secunderabad
Urology Profile in Secunderabad
Beta HCG Free, Serum (Pregnancy Test) in Secunderabad
Viral Screening in Secunderabad
AFP Test in Secunderabad
Microalbuminuria test in Secunderabad
Diabetes Testing (FBS + PLBS) in Secunderabad
Antithrombin III in Secunderabad
D-dimer test in Secunderabad
Creatine Kinase (CK) Test in Secunderabad
AST Test in Secunderabad
Cardiac Markers in Secunderabad
Pap Smear - LBC in Secunderabad
DVT Profile in Secunderabad
Bleeding Time and Clotting Time (BT & CT) in Secunderabad
Estradiol Test in Secunderabad
hs-CRP Test in Secunderabad
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test in Secunderabad
Fertility Profile in Secunderabad
Albumin blood test in Secunderabad
Troponin T in Secunderabad
Infertility Profile Extended in Secunderabad
Electrolyte Panel in Secunderabad
Anticardiolipin Antibodies (IgG) in Secunderabad
PSA Test in Secunderabad
FSH Test in Secunderabad
STD Panel in Secunderabad
PCOS Profile in Secunderabad
Serum Iron Test in Secunderabad
Cardiac Profile-III in Secunderabad
Plasma Fibrinogen Test in Secunderabad
HBsAg Test in Secunderabad
Cardiac Biomarker Test in Secunderabad
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Types 1 and 2 Antibody Test in Secunderabad
Antenatal Profile in Secunderabad
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time in Secunderabad
Lipid Panel in Secunderabad
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Secunderabad
CRP test in Secunderabad
Joint Pain / SLE / Collagen Profile-I in Secunderabad
PAPP-A Test in Secunderabad
Insulin Test in Secunderabad
Triple Screen Test in Secunderabad
Anti-HCV Test in Secunderabad
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) in Secunderabad
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) test in Secunderabad
Free Testosterone in Secunderabad
Triglycerides Test in Secunderabad
Quad Screen in Secunderabad
Folic Acid in Secunderabad
Urinalysis in Secunderabad
CEA Test in Secunderabad
Ferritin Test in Secunderabad
Transferrin Saturation% in Secunderabad
Protein C Antigen in Secunderabad
Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) - Fluid in Secunderabad
CPK (MB) Test in Secunderabad
Lupus Anticoagulant Testing in Secunderabad
Reticulocyte Count in Secunderabad
Infertility Profile-Basic in Secunderabad
Beta hCG Test in Secunderabad
DIABETIC PROFILE in Secunderabad
LH Test in Secunderabad
Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) Test in Secunderabad
Bile Salts and Bile Pigments, Urine in Secunderabad
HbA1c in Secunderabad
Vitamin D (1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D) in Secunderabad
Liver Function Test (LFT) in Secunderabad
Anemia Profile Basic in Secunderabad
Rheumatoid Factor in Secunderabad
Widal Test in Secunderabad
Bilirubin blood test in Secunderabad
Inhibin A, Tumor Marker, Serum in Secunderabad
Thyroid Function Tests in Secunderabad
eGFR in Secunderabad
Menopause Profile in Secunderabad
EXTENDED DIABETIC PROFILE in Secunderabad
LDH Test in Secunderabad
Total Cholesterol Test in Secunderabad
Random Blood Sugar Test in Secunderabad
Total Protein Test in Secunderabad
RPR test in Secunderabad
Anti-dsDNA Test in Secunderabad
HDL Cholesterol in Secunderabad
Blood Type Test in Secunderabad
ASO Titre in Secunderabad
Blood Urea(Serum) Test in Secunderabad
Postprandial Blood Sugar Test in Secunderabad
Back Pain Profile in Secunderabad
ANA test in Secunderabad
Serum Creatinine Test in Secunderabad
PT/INR Test in Secunderabad
Fasting Blood Sugar Test in Secunderabad
Extended Anemia Profile III Executive in Secunderabad
Kidney Function Test (Renal Profile) in Secunderabad
Serum Magnesium Test in Secunderabad
Well-woman exam in Secunderabad
LDL cholesterol test in Secunderabad
Prolactin Test in Secunderabad
Malaria Blood Smear in Secunderabad
Liver Function Test (+GGT) in Secunderabad
TPHA Test in Secunderabad
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test in Secunderabad
Antenatal Profile 2 in Secunderabad
TSH Test in Secunderabad
Cardiac Catheterization in Secunderabad
Cardiolipin Antibody (IgM) in Secunderabad
Master Health Checkup in Secunderabad
Calcium Profile in Secunderabad
Coagulation Profile in Secunderabad
Uric Acid Test in Secunderabad
Vitamin D (25 - Hydroxy Vitamin D, Serum) in Secunderabad
Globulin Test in Secunderabad
Fever Profile Test in Secunderabad
Connective Tissue Disease Profile in Secunderabad
Calcium Blood Test in Secunderabad
IHC in Secunderabad
Estriol Unconjugated (E3) Test in Secunderabad
Blood Typing in Secunderabad
Vitamin B12 Test in Secunderabad
Serum Cortisol in Secunderabad
Double Marker Test in Secunderabad
Pap Smear, Conventional in Secunderabad
Protein S Activity in Secunderabad
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in Secunderabad
whole exome sequencing in Secunderabad
Newborn Screening (NBS) in Secunderabad
Renal Function Test (RFT) in Secunderabad