Blood Test Analysis: Focus on HDL Levels, Interpreting Results
Low HDL cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein, can pose a significant risk for heart disease. The National Library of Medicine provides the following ranges for HDL cholesterol levels in adults: Less than 40 mg/dl (Major risk for heart disease), 40-59 mg/dl (Borderline), and 60 mg/dl or higher (Optimal).
Common factors that can lead to low HDL cholesterol levels include poor diet, especially one high in saturated and trans fats, processed foods, and sugary drinks[1][4]. Obesity or excess body weight, lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, metabolic disturbances such as insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, excessive alcohol consumption, genetic factors, aging, and chronic stress are also contributors[2][3][4].
Addressing these lifestyle factors through diet, exercise, weight management, and quitting smoking can help improve HDL levels[1][4]. For those with a high risk of heart disease, more frequent cholesterol tests may be necessary[2].
On the other hand, high levels of HDL cholesterol are generally beneficial as they help carry LDL cholesterol back to the liver for breakdown and removal. However, levels that are too high or low can increase the risk of heart disease.
A lipid panel measures amounts of HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in a blood sample. Fasting before a lipid panel can be useful for people with certain risk factors, according to a study from 2018[5]. However, research from 2017 suggests that the difference made by fasting is insignificant[6].
Doctors calculate LDL cholesterol levels using information from a lipid panel. An HDL test is a blood test to measure HDL cholesterol levels. Fasting for 9-12 hours is recommended before an HDL blood test as part of a lipid panel[7].
Anyone over 20 years old without heart disease risk factors should have their cholesterol levels tested every 4-6 years, according to the American Heart Association. However, people with a high risk of heart disease should have these tests more frequently[2]. Risk factors that require more frequent cholesterol checks include smoking, obesity, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being older than 45 for males and 55 for females, high blood pressure, family history of premature heart disease, existing heart disease, and diabetes[8].
During an HDL cholesterol test, a healthcare professional takes a blood sample from a vein in the arm or a finger prick. The laboratory carries out the analysis of the blood sample to measure HDL cholesterol levels[9]. If a person's HDL cholesterol level is too low, treatment options may include having a more healthy diet, maintaining a moderate weight, getting more exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, treating diabetes, and changing medication regimen if necessary[10].
Certain drugs can reduce HDL cholesterol levels, so a doctor may recommend a change to a person's medication regimen if necessary[11]. Having abnormally high HDL cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease due to a rare genetic variation[12]. High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause a buildup of plaque within blood vessels, potentially leading to conditions such as heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, and chronic kidney disease[13].
In summary, maintaining healthy HDL cholesterol levels is crucial for heart health. By understanding the common factors that influence HDL cholesterol and taking proactive steps to address these factors, individuals can lower their risk of heart disease. Regular cholesterol tests, a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, quitting smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes are key to maintaining optimal HDL cholesterol levels.
[1] American Heart Association. (2021). Understanding Cholesterol: HDL Cholesterol. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/understanding-cholesterol-hdl-cholesterol
[2] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2019). What Is a Healthy Cholesterol Level? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/what-is-a-healthy-cholesterol-level
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). HDL Cholesterol: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hdl-cholesterol/about/pac-20385142
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Low HDL Cholesterol: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15189-low-hdl-cholesterol
[5] American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (2018). Fasting before a lipid panel in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/107/6/1162/5040812
[6] Journal of Clinical Lipidology. (2017). Fasting before a lipid panel: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5503137/
[7] Mayo Clinic. (2021). HDL Cholesterol Test. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hdl-cholesterol-test/about/pac-20385142
[8] American Heart Association. (2021). Know Your Numbers: Check Your Cholesterol. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/know-your-numbers-check-your-cholesterol
[9] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). HDL Cholesterol Test. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/tests/10718-hdl-cholesterol-test
[10] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2019). Treatment of High Cholesterol. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-cholesterol/treatment
[11] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Medications That Lower Cholesterol. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15446-medications-that-lower-cholesterol
[12] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2019). Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/familial-hypercholesterolemia
[13] American Heart Association. (2021). Understanding Cholesterol: LDL Cholesterol. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/understanding-cholesterol-ldl-cholesterol
- Established risk factors for low HDL cholesterol levels include poor diet, obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, metabolic disturbances, excessive alcohol consumption, genetic factors, aging, and chronic stress.
- Healthcare professionals can take a blood sample from a vein or finger to conduct an HDL cholesterol test, which measures the level of HDL cholesterol in the blood.
- Maintaining optimal HDL cholesterol levels is crucial for cardiovascular health, as it helps carry LDL cholesterol back to the liver for breakdown and removal.
- Regular cholesterol tests are recommended for individuals over 20 without heart disease risk factors every 4-6 years, but more frequent tests are necessary for those with higher risk factors.
- A lipid panel measures amounts of various cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a blood sample and can be useful for people with certain risk factors, but research on the significance of fasting before a lipid panel is inconclusive.
- Doctors can calculate LDL cholesterol levels using information from a lipid panel, and treatment options for low HDL cholesterol levels may include lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, weight management, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake, along with managing existing medical conditions.
- Individuals with high levels of HDL cholesterol may unknowingly face an increased risk of heart disease due to a rare genetic variation.
- High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause a buildup of plaque within blood vessels, potentially leading to conditions such as heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.
- Addressing these lifestyle factors can not only help improve HDL cholesterol levels but also support overall health and wellness, including fitness and mental health, and personal growth.
- People with abnormally high HDL cholesterol levels may require adjustments to their medication regimen, as certain drugs can reduce HDL cholesterol levels.
- Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and addressing risk factors is important for both men's and women's health, as well as workplace-wellness programs and career development.
- Skin care, therapies and treatments, and nutrition are complementary aspects of maintaining overall health and wellness, alongside cholesterol management, sports, sports analysis, and education and self-development.
