Diagnosis for High Density Lipoprotein
An HDL test measures the level of "good" cholesterol in your blood. HDL is high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lipoproteins are composed of protein and fat. HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it carries the "bad" cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and harmful fats and returning them to your liver for processing. When HDL reaches your liver, the liver breaks down the LDL, turns it into bile, and removes it from your body. Research has shown people with healthy HDL cholesterol levels are at a low risk for coronary artery disease. A blood test to check cholesterol levels - called a lipid panel or lipid profile - typically reports:
Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides -- a type of fat in the blood

The test may also be done regularly for people who are at risk for heart disease, including those who:
have diabetes
have a family history of heart disease
have high blood pressure
are over the age of 45 (men)
are over the age of 55 (women)
smoke and/or use tobacco