Could a gift for a loved one be about well-being? Through laboratory packages, your loved one will gain knowledge about their own health condition. A Vital gift card is an excellent gift idea for someone who is interested in taking even better care of their health.
HDL is a “good” cholesterol
Studies show that HDL cholesterol, or “good cholesterol”, is linked to better vascular health.
HDL cholesterol
- High levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- HDL cholesterol levels are influenced by genetics, gender and lifestyle.
- The amount of good cholesterol can be increased by exercising, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking.
- The amount and quality of cholesterol can be measured with blood tests via Vital.
What is HDL cholesterol?
HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, transport cholesterol from the walls of arteries and other tissues back to the liver where it breaks down. This type of cholesterol is also referred to as “good” cholesterol. Good cholesterol has been linked to a lower risk of arterial disease in several studies.
How can I get my HDL cholesterol tested?
The amount of HDL cholesterol can be measured with blood tests.
The measurement of cholesterol (lipids or fat values) can consist of various components, common values that are analyzed include:
- Total cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- LDL cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
Check out the Vital´s laboratory packages, which include HDL cholesterol measurement.
The HDL cholesterol measurement is included in the following test packages:
- Hälsokontroll Bas
- Hälsokontroll Total
- Hälsokontroll Total Plus
- Hälsokontroll Kvinna
- Hälsokontroll Man
- Hälsokontroll Premium Kvinna
- Hälsokontroll Premium Man
- Hälsokontroll Sport Kvinna
- Hälsokontroll Sport Man
- Hälsokontroll Vegan
What factors affect HDL levels (good cholesterol)?
HDL cholesterol levels are influenced by genetics, gender, and lifestyle. Women usually have more HDL cholesterol than men because of estrogen.
High HDL levels
The amount of good cholesterol can be increased by exercising, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking.
- Remember to exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day several times a week. Exercise lowers the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood and raises HDL cholesterol. In addition, exercise is an important part of weight management as abdominal obesity raises cholesterol.
- Quality of diet does not directly affect the level of good cholesterol (HDL). However, a healthy diet can promote achieving a normal weight. The quality of fats and nutrition in particular, affect the level of LDL cholesterol.
Low HDL levels
Cholesterol can be decreased in the following situations:
- Smoking reduces the amount of HDL cholesterol. Quitting smoking is always a good idea.
- Abdominal obesity and related fatty liver decrease the concentration of HDL cholesterol. Weight loss and increased physical activity can in turn increase the level of good HDL cholesterol.
- Lack of exercise. Inactivity reduces HDL cholesterol and increases LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Regular exercise increases blood HDL levels and reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Hyperthyroidism.
- Aging.
- Medications. Some drugs can lower HDL cholesterol. Such medications include anabolic steroids, beta-blockers (blood pressure medication), and birth control pills.
Recommended values for HDL cholesterol
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.
Why is HDL cholesterol measured?
HDL test shows the amount of good HDL cholesterol in the blood. Good cholesterol has been linked to a lower risk of arterial disease in studies.
Regular blood tests will help to identify elevated cholesterol levels and enable appropriate treatment.
Potassium is an essential salt for the body. It regulates, among other things, the body’s fluid balance.
Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body. It is needed for the functioning of the nervous system and several enzymes.
Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells’ haemoglobin. In addition, it acts as a catalyst in many enzyme reactions.
Folate, or folic acid, is a group B vitamin obtained from food. It is an essential nutrient for humans.
The aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) test measures liver function and damage.
T4, or thyroxine, is a thyroid hormone and its level indicates the activity of the thyroid gland.
Glucose is an indicator of the blood sugar level. Blood sugar affects general well-being and energy levels, muscle and brain function and the feeling of hunger.
The LDL cholesterol level shows the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood. Elevated cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
Sodium is one of the most important salts in the body. It is essential for life, being a key substance in maintaining the membrane tension of all cells.
TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. TSH is tested when examining thyroid function.
Ferritin is a form of iron absorption and storage. It is a good measure of the body’s iron stores, and low ferritin content is a sign of iron deficiency.
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Article updated:
27 March 2024
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