Lipids - HDL Cholesterol
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are one of the major classes of plasma lipoproteins. They are composed of a number of heterogeneous particles, including cholesterol and vary with respect to size and content of lipid and Apolipoprotein. HDL serves to remove cholesterol from the peripheral cells to the liver, where the cholesterol is converted to bile acids and excreted into the intestine.
- Accurate measurement of HDL-C is of vital importance when assessing patient risk from CHD. Direct measurement gives improved accuracy and reproducibility when compared to precipitation methods.
- HDL is usually requested with other tests, either with cholesterol or as part of a lipid profile, including LDL and triglycerides. The combination of total cholesterol and HDL is very useful for screening for the risk of heart disease.
Patients at risk include:
- Smokers
- Men over 45 year and women over 55 years
- Those with Hypertension (blood pressure 140/90 or higher or if taking medications for high blood pressure)
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Lipids
- Randox
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HDL Cholesterol