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High-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is defined as the remaining amount of cholesterol in the blood serum after precipitation of apo-B-containing lipoproteins (low- and very low-density lipoproteins). Blood lipoproteins transport lipids, including cholesterol, from one cell population to another, where they are stored or metabolized. Unlike other lipoproteins, HDL transports cholesterol from the cells of peripheral organs to the liver, where cholesterol is converted into bile acids and excreted from the body. This is typical for the heart muscle with its vessels, and for other organs.
Reference values (norm) of HDL-C concentration in blood serum
Age, years |
Serum HDL-C concentration |
|||
Mg/dl |
Mmol/l |
|||
Men |
Women |
Men |
Women |
|
0-14 15-19 20-29 30-39 >40 |
30-65 30-65 30-70 30-70 30-70 |
30-65 30-70 30-75 30-80 30-85 |
0.78-1.68 0.78-1.68 0.78-1.81 0.78-1.81 0.78-1.81 |
0.78-1.68 0.78-1.81 0.78-1.94 0.78-2.07 0.78-2.20 |
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