HDL-C
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Low
35.7mg·dL⁻¹Ref 40–80 mg·dL⁻¹
Z -2.43↓ Bad

The card shows an example result of 35.7 mg·dL⁻¹, which is 2.43 SD below the mean.

What it measures

HDL carries cholesterol from tissues back to the liver. Higher levels are generally linked to lower heart risk.

Reference range

FieldValue
AbbreviationHDL-C
GroupLipids
Unitmg·dL⁻¹
Healthy range40–80
Mean60
SD10
Direction↓ Bad — a lowered value is the concern.

The mean is (low + high) / 2 and the SD is (high − low) / 4, so the healthy range covers Z from −2 to +2.

Reading the result

  • High — Not the concern this panel tracks.
  • Low — Linked to a higher cardiovascular risk, especially with high triglycerides and insulin resistance.

Notes

  • Very high HDL does not always protect more.
  • Exercise and stopping smoking tend to raise it.
  • This page is general information, not medical advice. Discuss results with a clinician.