What is HDL?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a particle that transports cholesterol through the bloodstream. Its main job is something called reverse cholesterol transport: it transports “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that can build up in artery walls to the liver, where it can be broken down and eliminated. This process helps limit cholesterol accumulation within artery walls, reducing the likelihood of plaque formation that can narrow blood vessels and elevate the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Why Does HDL Matter?
- Removes excess cholesterol from cells, tissues, and artery walls
- Transports dangerous LDL cholesterol to the liver to be removed
- Protects arterial walls against damage caused by LDL cholesterol
- Helps prevent LDL oxidation, a main cause of clogged arteries
- Promotes the production of nitric oxide, which improves vessel function
Book your test now
Test 40+ biomarkers & meet with a longevity physician, uncover the root cause of symptoms
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Physician reviewed
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
How to Interpret HDL
(Ranges may vary slightly by lab)
Standard reference ranges represent the middle 95% of healthy individuals but don’t necessarily reflect levels associated with longevity. Optimal ranges are derived from clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and real-world outcomes data, with an emphasis on levels associated with peak functioning and reduced disease risk.
Benefits of Optimizing HDL
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke
- Healthy blood vessel function
- Improved metabolic health
- Reduced inflammation1
Know your numbers. Own your health.
40+ biomarkers that reflect how your body is functioning — and where there’s room to optimize. Plus a clinical consult and personalized treatment plan. All for $65.
Low HDL Levels
Low HDL can signal that your body isn’t clearing cholesterol as efficiently as it could be. That balance is influenced by genetics and lifestyle factors like diet, movement, and smoking.
Symptoms:
- Usually no symptoms
Causes:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Obesity
- A diet high in refined carbs and trans fats
- Certain medications (beta-blockers, anabolic steroids)
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
Healthspan Impacts:
- Risk of developing coronary artery disease
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
High HDL Levels
Generally, higher levels of HDL are considered protective and associated with lower levels of cardiovascular disease risk. However, levels above 80mg/dL can impede rather than support LDL clearance.
Symptoms:
- No symptoms
Causes:
- Regular, intense aerobic exercise
- Genetics
- Certain medications (including birth control, hormone replacement)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Healthspan Impacts:
How Hone Treats Out of Range HDL
Hone focuses on identifying cardiovascular risk early through comprehensive biomarker testing, often before it would meet traditional diagnostic thresholds. HDL cholesterol levels from your blood test are evaluated alongside other heart, metabolic, liver, and hormone biomarkers to assess your risk. Treatment plans focus on reducing atherogenic particles, improving metabolic health, and lowering long term cardiovascular risk.
- Statins (e.g. Rosuvastatin)* – to increase HDL cholesteroland lower LDL cholesterol
- Estradiol – to increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol in women experiencing symptoms of menopause
- Fibrates* – to increase HDL
- Prescription niacin* – to increase HDL
*Your Hone Physician does not prescribe these treatments but will recommend further evaluation and help coordinate care with your primary care provider when medical treatment is indicated.
- Omega-3 fatty acids4
- Bergamot
- Limit trans fats (ultra-processed foods – cakes, cookies, fried foods) and saturated fats (found in meat and full-fat dairy)
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (fast walking, cycling) per week
Berrougui, H., Momo, C. N., & Khalil, A. (2012). Health benefits of high-density lipoproteins in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Journal of Clinical Lipidology.
↑Ji, R. X., & Duan, Z. Y. (2024). Reevaluating elevated HDL cholesterol levels in healthy older persons as a risk factor for various disease states. American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Immunology.
↑Trimarco, V., et al. (2022). High HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol Increases Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensive Patients. Hypertension.
↑Conti Cartolano, F. D., et al. (2022). Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Functionality of High-Density Lipoprotein in Individuals With High Cardiovascular Risk: A Randomized, Parallel, Controlled and Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Nutrition.
↑
Reviewed for Accuracy by Our Medical Review Board
This biomarker information has been reviewed by a member of Hone’s medical review board. As part of the medical review team, physicians fact-check this content against the latest research and their own experience treating their patients.
Ashley Winter, M.D., is a board-certified urogynecologist trained at Weill Cornell and Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in female and male sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, genital pain, and hormone therapy.
James Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.
