$2.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Heart & circulation
HDL-C test
HDL cholesterol. 'Good' cholesterol; higher levels may protect against cardiovascular disease.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Fast for 8–12 hours first
Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps carry extra cholesterol away from your arteries to your liver. Higher levels can be linked with lower heart risk.
Why it matters for women
Women can have higher HDL than men, so the healthy range can be set higher for women. Low HDL can be common with insulin resistance and PCOS. Heart risk can climb for women after menopause, so it’s worth tracking over time.
You might check it if…
- heart disease runs in your family
- you’re managing PCOS, insulin resistance, or high blood sugar
- you’re heading into or past menopause
What your result may mean
High HDL-C: what it may mean
High HDL may be a good sign, since HDL can help carry extra cholesterol to your liver. Estrogen can raise it, so levels can run higher before menopause, and regular exercise can lift it too. Extremely high HDL may not add more benefit, and a clinician may want to look into why it's so high, since genes or heavy alcohol use can play a part. A high value can't rule out heart disease, so it may be read with LDL and ApoB.
Low HDL-C: what it may mean
Low HDL may add to your risk of heart disease. It can come with insulin resistance, PCOS, high triglycerides, smoking or an inactive lifestyle, and these can cluster together as metabolic syndrome. Levels can drop after menopause as estrogen falls, and some medicines, such as anabolic steroids, can lower it too. You may feel fine, because low HDL can cause no symptoms. Blood sugar, triglycerides and waist size can help show the bigger picture.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.