HDL: normal range and what it means
"Good" cholesterol that helps clear excess from arteries.
Normal range
This marker’s healthy range depends on sex and age.
| Normal range | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Low | < 40 mg/dL | < 50 mg/dL |
| Borderline | 40 – 50 mg/dL | 50 – 60 mg/dL |
| Optimal | ≥ 50 mg/dL | ≥ 60 mg/dL |
What it measures
High-density lipoprotein helps remove cholesterol from your arteries. Higher is generally protective.
What moves it
Exercise, healthy fats, alcohol, smoking and genetics.
How to bring it into range
Aerobic exercise, omega-3 fats, and not smoking.
How fast it responds
Weeks to months.
Also reported as: hdl cholesterol · high density lipoprotein
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Common questions
- What is a normal HDL level?
- Optimal: ≥ 50 mg/dL. This marker’s healthy range depends on sex and age.
- What does a high HDL mean?
- A value above the reference band means HDL is outside the range typical for a healthy adult. A single reading is rarely conclusive on its own — what matters is the trend across draws and the other markers around it, which is why HealthOS reads the whole panel together rather than one number at a time.
- How do I improve my HDL?
- Aerobic exercise, omega-3 fats, and not smoking.
Related markers
More in Lipids
Reference ranges are general-population guidance compiled from common clinical laboratories, not a diagnosis. Lab-to-lab ranges differ. Always read your results with your doctor.