High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a type of protein, which carries cholesterol in the blood. The HDL cholesterol binds itself with the fat present in the bloodstream of the body. Our blood then carries the cholesterol back to the liver. This way HDL cholesterol helps in removing extra fat from the body. Therefore, it is also known as good cholesterol. An elevated level of HDL cholesterol might lower your risk of suffering from heart disease or stroke.

HDL cholesterol test is better known as HDL or HDL-C. This test is done as a part of a regular cholesterol and lipid profile test. The HDL cholesterol test determines the amount of HDL cholesterol present in blood. This test is done with other lipid tests to determine the risk of heart diseases.

HDL cholesterol test is often recommended along with other tests, such as total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. All these are part of the lipid profile test.

An elevated level of HDL is better then a lower level. For HDL less than 40mg/dL, the risk of heart disease is high. The expected normal level is more then 40mg/dL, which means an average risk of heart disease. A considerably good level is 60mg/dL. Some lab test results are in the form of ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

The level of HDL cholesterol becomes low during severe illness, immediately after heart attack, and during stress. This level also changes during pregnancy. Therefore, to get the correct value, you should always get the HDL cholesterol test done when healthy or six weeks after any illness.