High-density lipoprotein or HDL is a lipoprotein that plays a crucial role in transporting good cholesterols through your bloodstream, which is essential for attaining stability in your body cells. Apart from being a carrier of good cholesterol, HDL is known to scavenge low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reduce, reuse and recycle LDL, and act as the maintenance support or shield for the inner walls of your blood vessels.
A HDL blood test is used to measure the HDL cholesterol levels in your bloodstream. Your healthcare provider can leverage the test insights to assess your risk of developing a heart disease, brain stroke, kidney disease, coronary and peripheral arterial diseases. High-density lipoprotein is deemed the good cholesterol as it helps your body access the good cholesterol through the bloodstream transportation and high HDL cholesterol levels mean that your LDL cholesterol levels are under control. This is an indicator of your lower risk of developing cardiovascular and other allied health complications.