The HDL cholesterol test detects high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in your blood. Because it helps eliminate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, from your system, HDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as “good” cholesterol.

Here are some of the consequences of having low HDL cholesterol:

• Heart disease risk is increased: Low HDL cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol protects the arteries from plaque building, and low levels may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening and constriction of the arteries), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
• Reduced cholesterol clearance: When HDL levels are low, cholesterol clearance from tissues and blood vessels may be hindered, potentially leading to greater LDL cholesterol levels.
• Low HDL cholesterol is frequently related with other metabolic disorders, such as increased triglyceride levels, insulin resistance, and obesity. These disorders, when combined, raise the chance of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and obesity-related comorbidities.
• Inflammatory response: Low HDL cholesterol levels may be connected to chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to a variety of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some autoimmune illnesses.
• Low HDL cholesterol levels might be related to hereditary causes in some circumstances. Certain genetic variants can impede HDL generation, function, or clearance, resulting in chronically low HDL cholesterol levels.

• A high amount of HDL cholesterol is linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
• High amounts of HDL cholesterol may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, which may aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis (hardening and constriction of the arteries).
• Individuals with high HDL cholesterol levels frequently have a better lipid profile, with lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.