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Lipids

HDL cholesterol

Cholesterol on the particles that carry it back to the liver for disposal.

Unit mg/dLTypical adult range 35–55 mg/dL
What it is

Cholesterol on the particles that carry it back to the liver for disposal.

Why it matters

This is the one lipid where a higher value generally reads better, and it responds to exercise and to stopping smoking.

Reading the number

Very high values are not automatically protective. Read it in proportion to the total and to triglycerides.

What moves it
exercisealcoholsmokingweight change
Read alongside
LDL cholesterolTriglyceridesTotal cholesterolApolipoprotein A-IExerciseVO2 max
When to raise it

Worth mentioning a persistently low value alongside the rest of the lipid panel.

Tracking only, not a diagnosis. The range above is a typical adult reference range — the range printed by the lab that ran your test is the one that applies to you. Discuss anything that concerns you with your doctor.

Also known as

On a report in another language.

A lab report names this analyte in its own language. Vitals Vault recognises each of these and files them all under HDL cholesterol.

Colesterol HDLHDLHDL-KolesteroolHDL-CholesterinCholestérol HDLHDL-C

Track your hdl cholesterol over time.

HDL cholesterol is one of 165 analytes Vitals Vault charts over time. Import a lab report in any language and this number lands on a timeline only you can read.

Continue with Google
Tracking only. This app is not medical advice. Always discuss results and future analysis with your doctor.

Catalog entry last updated 2026-08-27. Browse all 165 metrics.