High-density lipoprotein test
Normal Values
In general, your risk for heart disease, including a heart attack, increases if your HDL cholesterol level is less than 40 mg/dL.
Men are at particular risk if their HDL is below 37 mg/dL.
Women are at particular risk if their HDL if their HDL is below 47 mg/dL.
An HDL 60 mg/dL or above helps protect against heart disease.
Women tend to have higher HDL cholesterol than men.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results mean
Low HDL levels may be a sign that you have an increased risk for
A low HDL level may also be associated with:
-
Familial combined hyperlipidemia -
Noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDD) - Use of certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, antipsychotics, beta blockers, corticosteroids, and protease inhibitors
Previous Section
