HDL Cholesterol Test
Also known as: HDL; HDL-C; "good" cholesterol
Formal name: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To find out the risk of developing heart disease
When to Get Tested?
As part of a health check with a cholesterol test or lipid profile particularly if you:
have a family history of cholesterol disorders
have a family history of heart attacks, especially at a young age
are overweight
have diabetes
have thick yellow patches (xanthelasmata) around your eyes or elsewhere on your skin (xanthomata)
have high blood pressure
have had acute inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis)
are a smoker
Sample Required?
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm or from a finger-prick
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