Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (806 page)

   HDL, also known as HDL-C, is produced by the liver and consists of mostly cholesterol, protein, and phospholipid. It carries cholesterol in the blood-stream from the tissues to the liver (reverse cholesterol transport). HDL is termed the “good cholesterol,” because its levels are inversely related to CHD, and it is an independent risk factor.

   
Normal range:
see Table 16.19.

TABLE 16–19. Reference Values for HDL Cholesterol

   Use

   Assessment of risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis

   Ordered in combination with total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides as a lipid profile

   Interpretation

Increased In

   Hyperalphalipoproteinemia

   Regular physical activity or exercise

   Weight loss

   Chronic liver disease

Decreased In

   Uncontrolled diabetes

   Hepatocellular disease

   Chronic renal failure, nephrosis, uremia