HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is the cholesterol carried by HDL particles, which move cholesterol from the tissues back to the liver.
HDL cholesterol is the part of the blood’s cholesterol carried by HDL particles. These particles pick up cholesterol from the tissues and the blood vessel walls and carry it back to the liver. HDL is one of the standard blood lipid values, read together with LDL and triglycerides. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
Physical activity, especially endurance training, tends to raise HDL, while smoking and a high intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates tend to lower it. Body weight, alcohol, genes and some medicines also matter, and women usually have higher HDL than men.
Foods that help
Fats from olive oil, avocado, nuts and fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, fibre from oats, beans and flaxseed, and regular exercise.
Foods to limit
Trans fats in some processed and fried foods, and a lot of sugar, white bread and sugary drinks.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →