HDL-Cholesterol
High density lipoproteins (HDL) are involved in cholesterol uptake from the cells. HDL-cholesterol has a protective effect impeding plaque formation and shows an inverse relationship to coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence.
A number of factors contribute to low HDL-cholesterol levels: e.g. overweight and obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, drugs such as beta-blockers and progestational agents, genetic factors.
Reference Ranges
Adults | National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines: |
Major risk factor for relationship to coronary heart disease (CHD) | < 40 mg/dL (< 1.04 mmol/L) |
"Negative" risk factor for CHD | ≥ 60 mg/dL (≥ 1.55 mmol/L) |
Each laboratory should check if the reference ranges are transferable to its own patient population and determine own reference ranges if necessary. For diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed with the patient’s medical history, clinical examinations and other findings.
For information on clinical relevance, please refer to the package insert.