HDL Particle Number

Lipids marker

HDL-P

HDL Particle Number

Category: Lipids
Unit: umol/L

Total number of HDL particles. HDL-P is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular protection than HDL cholesterol concentration.

PED Notes

AAS profoundly suppress HDL-P, often more dramatically than HDL-C. Oral AAS cause the most severe suppression. HDL-P is a better measure of reverse cholesterol transport capacity than HDL-C alone. On-cycle HDL-P values of 15-20 umol/L are common (vs normal >30). Recovery of HDL-P after cycle cessation can take 3-6 months.

Supplements:

  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 2-4g/day
  • Niacin -- 500-1000mg extended-release (most effective HDL-P raiser)
  • Citrus Bergamot -- 500mg 2x/day

Lifestyle:

  • Regular cardio exercise 3-5x/week (most effective for raising HDL-P)
  • Moderate alcohol intake may raise HDL-P but not recommended as intervention
  • If HDL-P <15 umol/L on-cycle, strongly consider dropping oral AAS
  • Monitor recovery post-cycle — HDL-P should normalise within 3-6 months

References:

  • Mackey, R. H., Greenland, P., Goff, D. C., et al. (2012). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and particle concentrations, carotid atherosclerosis, and coronary events: MESA. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 60(6), 508-516. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2012.03.038
  • Mora, S., Glynn, R. J., & Ridker, P. M. (2013). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, size, particle number, and residual vascular risk after potent statin therapy. Circulation, 128(11), 1189-1197. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.002671

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

30.5 - 50 umol/L

VitalMetrics Range

20 - 50 umol/L

Statistics