High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C)

High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) is clearly established as the “good cholesterol”. Low levels of HDL were first identified as a coronary disease risk factor in 1951.

HDL2 is considered the most protective sub-fraction or “best cholesterol”. Total HDL measurements (if mostly HDL3) may under-estimate the real atherogenic risk to patients. Low HDL2 is a risk for CAD even in patients with normal cholesterol. It is also an independent risk factor for diabetics with peripheral vascular disease.