lipids · HDL-C
HDL Cholesterol
HDL helps carry cholesterol away from artery walls back to the liver. Higher levels are generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk, though HDL is only one piece of the lipid picture.
This page is general wellness education, not medical advice. Your own lab’s reference range and your clinician’s interpretation always take precedence.
Typical reference range
| Group | General range |
|---|---|
| Men | ≥40 mg/dL desirable for men |
| Women | ≥50 mg/dL desirable for women |
Optimal-band note: HDL ≥60 mg/dL is generally considered protective against heart disease. Very high HDL is not necessarily better and is not a target to chase.
Units: mg/dL. Ranges vary by lab and assay — read yours against the range printed on your own report.
What high HDL Cholesterol can mean
- Regular aerobic exercise
- Moderate context
- Genetics
- Some medications
What low HDL Cholesterol can mean
- Insulin resistance / metabolic syndrome
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- High refined-carb diet
- Genetics