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  • About this test

    High-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol) is a type of protein that carries the cholesterol particles in the blood. This protein removes excess cholesterol and transports it to the liver for removal and is often referred to as "healthy" or "good" cholesterol. The test measures the amount of HDL cholesterol in blood.

    Maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol is important to prevent long term cardiovascular complications. The body produces the required cholesterol however diet can also become an important source. For those with a family history (inherited predisposition for high cholesterol levels) or when the daily diet contains and excess of foods that are high in saturated fats, the blood level of cholesterol may increase and could negatively impact the person's health. Excess cholesterol may be deposited in plaques on blood vessels walls that could narrow or block the opening of blood vessels (atherosclerosis - hardening of blood vessels). Atherosclerosis has been associated with cardiovascular disease complications including heart attack and stroke. An increased or higher level of HDL cholesterol is often associated with a decreased risk of developing atherosclerosis and associated complications.

    HDL cholesterol forms part of a lipid profile (lipogram) to help predict the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and determine treatment. The lipid profile (which includes HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides) is used to monitor the effectiveness of and or response to therapy.

    Who is this test for?

    Adults

    Cholesterol testing should be done in all adults with no known risk factors at least once every four years as part of a general risk assessment for cardiovascular complications.

    Cholesterol testing should be done more frequent, often bi-annually when a person has one or more risk factors cardiovascular disease which may include:

    • Being overweight or suffering from obesity
    • Cigarette smoking
    • Family history of cholesterol/cardiovascular diseases including heart attack and stroke
    • Patients with known hypertension/ diabetes or insulin resistance on treatment
    • Patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease e.g. atherosclerosis and/or previous episode of heart attack or stroke
    • Unhealthy eating habits specifically foods containing high fat content and or cholesterol
    • Low physical activity including limited exercise
    • General age risk: Men >45 years old; Women > 55 years old

    Adolescents and children

    Screening for abnormal cholesterol is recommended between 9 - 12 years and 17 - 22 years of age. More frequent screening is indicated for those at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and complications similar to adults.

    Monitoring

    Testing may be performed at more frequent intervals as part of monitoring therapy (lipid-lowering lifestyle changes e.g. exercise and dietary changes and specific medication known as lipid-lowering agents/ statins)

    For patients who start on medical therapy it is recommended to do the lipogram test after 4 - 12 weeks and again at 3 months to determine effect.

    Monitoring may be guided by the medical practitioner who prescribed the therapy.