An HDL test is one of several tests used to check your cholesterol levels. People at low risk of heart disease should get checked every 4 to 6 years. Those at high risk should get screened more often.

A high-density lipoprotein (HDL) test, also called an HDL-C test, measures the level of good cholesterol in your blood.

There are two large categories of cholesterol in your body:

  • HDL: HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because it carries harmful fats like LDL and returns them to your liver for processing. When HDL reaches your liver, the liver breaks down the LDL, turns it into bile, and removes it from your body.
  • LDL: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as “bad” cholesterol because high levels in your body can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. This can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke.

This article takes a closer look at the HDL test, who needs it, how often you should have it done, and how to interpret your test results.

The HDL test is just one of several tests doctors use to check cholesterol levels. It specifically looks at the level of HDL in your blood.

Your doctor can also order a complete cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel, which measures your:

The American Heart Association recommends adults 20 years and older get their cholesterol levels checked every 4 to 6 years.

Your doctor may order an HDL test as part of a regular checkup or as a follow-up test if you have high results on your cholesterol screening test.

Doctors may perform an HDL test more regularly for people who are at risk of heart disease, including those who:

Your doctor may also order the test to monitor the effectiveness of treatments or to see whether lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, or smoking cessation, are successful at lowering your cholesterol levels.

Home tests to check cholesterol are available, including HDL-specific tests.

Your doctor will give you complete instructions on how to prepare for the test. These may include not taking certain medications for a short period or not eating or drinking anything for up to 12 hours before the test.

You should also know that having an HDL test when you’re sick may alter results. Cholesterol levels are temporarily lower during acute illness, immediately following a heart attack, or during periods of physical or psychological stress.

HDL cholesterol levels can also change during pregnancy.

Talk with your doctor about when to have your cholesterol levels checked if you’ve had a serious health event such as a heart attack, acute illness, or have recently given birth.

The HDL test is quick and relatively painless.

A healthcare professional draws a blood sample using a needle. You may feel the sting of the needle where the blood sample is taken.

Some tests, such as home tests, only need a drop of blood taken using a small needle called a lancet. When the healthcare professional draws enough blood into the airtight bottle attached to the needle, they package the sample and send it to a laboratory for testing.

If you feel woozy or lightheaded after the blood draw, you may need to rest and possibly have water and a snack to help you feel better.

Cholesterol is typically measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.

According to 2018 guidelines published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), HDL cholesterol levels are categorized as follows:

HDL cholesterol levels in mg/dLCategory
• less than 40 for males
• less than 50 for females		low
40 to 60 (over 40 for males and over 50 for females is acceptable)good
60 or higherideal

Looking to increase your percentage of HDL cholesterol?

Many foods can help reduce levels of total or LDL (bad) cholesterol, thereby improving your percentage of HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood. Certain medications and lifestyle changes can also boost HDL levels and support heart health.

Read this article to learn more about HDL and what you can do to raise your HDL levels.

An HDL test requires a simple, routine blood draw. This rarely causes any serious issues. The risks of giving a blood sample include:

  • bleeding under the skin
  • excessive bleeding
  • infection

Fainting is rare. It typically only occurs in people who have a heightened response to needles.

Having high cholesterol can lead to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for people in the United States. That’s why it’s so important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly.

Other things you can do to lower your risk of heart disease include: