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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