HDL Cholesterol

Lipids marker

HDL

HDL Cholesterol

Category: Lipids
Unit: mmol/L

High-density lipoprotein - 'good' cholesterol that protects against heart disease.

PED Notes

CRITICAL: AAS (especially oral compounds) dramatically suppress HDL, often to dangerously low levels (<0.5 mmol/L). This is one of the most significant cardiovascular risks of AAS use. HDL should be monitored closely and given time to recover between cycles. HDL typically takes 4-8 weeks to recover after dropping oral compounds.

Supplements:

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g/day (Krill Oil or Fish Oil)
  • Niacin -- if tolerated (can cause flushing)

Lifestyle:

  • Regular aerobic exercise 30-45min 3-5x/week (most effective intervention)
  • Increase healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, fatty fish)
  • Avoid oral AAS if HDL is persistently below 0.8 mmol/L

References:

  • Yokoyama, M., Origasa, H., Matsuzaki, M., et al. (2007). Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on major coronary events (JELIS). The Lancet, 369(9567), 1090-1098. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60527-3
  • AIM-HIGH Investigators, Boden, W. E., Probstfield, J. L., et al. (2011). Niacin in patients with low HDL cholesterol levels receiving intensive statin therapy. New England Journal of Medicine, 365(24), 2255-2267. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1107579
  • Baggish, A. L., Weiner, R. B., Kanayama, G., et al. (2017). Cardiovascular toxicity of illicit anabolic-androgenic steroid use. Circulation, 135(21), 1991-2002. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.026945

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

≥ 1 mmol/L

VitalMetrics Range

≥ 0.6 mmol/L

Statistics