Personal
Professional
Research
Personal Professional Research Sign Up Login Pro Login
Research HDL % of Total Cholesterol
Lipid Panel

HDL % of Total Cholesterol

Blood
Optimal Result: 17.5 - 64 %.

HDL % of Total Cholesterol: Understanding a Key Biomarker for Heart Health

HDL % of Total Cholesterol is a useful biomarker that provides insight into cardiovascular health by comparing the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for excretion. In contrast, higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

What Does HDL % of Total Cholesterol Indicate?

The HDL percentage of total cholesterol is calculated by dividing your HDL cholesterol level by your total cholesterol level and multiplying by 100. This percentage reflects the proportion of your total cholesterol that is made up of HDL, which is an important factor in assessing heart disease risk.

A higher HDL percentage indicates a greater proportion of protective HDL cholesterol relative to total cholesterol, which is generally associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

A lower HDL percentage suggests that a smaller proportion of your cholesterol is protective, potentially indicating a higher risk for cardiovascular problems.

Normal Reference Range

The ideal range for HDL as a percentage of total cholesterol typically falls between 20-30%. Higher percentages are considered better, as they reflect a healthier balance between HDL and total cholesterol levels:

Below 20%: This is generally considered a risk factor for heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions, as it indicates low levels of HDL relative to total cholesterol.

20-30%: This range is generally seen as normal and reflects a good balance of HDL to total cholesterol.

Above 30%: This is ideal, as it suggests a high proportion of protective HDL cholesterol.

Why is HDL % of Total Cholesterol Important?

The HDL percentage offers a more detailed picture of heart health than simply looking at total cholesterol levels alone. While total cholesterol provides an overview of the cholesterol in your blood, understanding the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol helps to gauge the quality of your cholesterol profile.

People with a high percentage of HDL are generally at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease or stroke. HDL is known to help prevent cholesterol from accumulating in the arteries, and thus, a higher HDL percentage supports better cardiovascular outcomes.

Factors Affecting HDL % of Total Cholesterol

Several factors can influence HDL levels and the overall HDL percentage of total cholesterol, including:

  • Diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined sugars can lower HDL levels, while healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish, nuts, and seeds can boost HDL.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity is known to increase HDL levels, improving the HDL percentage of total cholesterol.
  • Smoking: Smoking reduces HDL levels, thereby lowering the HDL percentage and increasing the risk of heart disease.
  • Genetics: Genetic factors can influence both HDL and total cholesterol levels, affecting the HDL percentage.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as statins or fibrates, can impact cholesterol levels and improve the HDL percentage of total cholesterol.

How to Improve Your HDL % of Total Cholesterol

If your HDL percentage is lower than the desired range, lifestyle changes can help improve it. Some recommendations include:

  • Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting saturated and trans fats is essential.
  • Exercise regularly: Aerobic activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming can increase HDL levels.
  • Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can have an immediate positive impact on your HDL levels.
  • Moderate alcohol consumption: In some cases, moderate alcohol intake (such as a glass of red wine) has been associated with higher HDL levels, though it's important to follow medical guidance on this.

Monitoring the HDL % of Total Cholesterol is a valuable tool in assessing cardiovascular health. A higher HDL percentage indicates a more favorable cholesterol profile and a reduced risk of heart disease. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation, you can help improve your HDL percentage and support long-term heart health.

What does it mean if your HDL % of Total Cholesterol result is too low?

Low levels of HDL % of Total Cholesterol can be a significant indicator of increased cardiovascular risk. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) plays a protective role in your cholesterol profile, as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver for excretion. When HDL makes up a small percentage of your total cholesterol, it can signal an imbalance that increases the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

What Do Low Levels of HDL % of Total Cholesterol Indicate?

A low HDL percentage typically means that you have insufficient "good" cholesterol relative to your total cholesterol level. This imbalance can lead to several negative outcomes:

  1. Increased Risk of Atherosclerosis: Low HDL levels mean less "good" cholesterol is available to remove excess LDL (bad cholesterol) from the arteries. This can lead to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow to the heart and other organs.

  2. Higher Risk of Heart Disease: Studies have shown that individuals with low HDL % of total cholesterol are at a greater risk of developing coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and other heart-related conditions.

  3. Impaired Cholesterol Removal: HDL is responsible for transporting cholesterol away from the bloodstream to the liver, where it can be excreted. When HDL levels are low, this process is less effective, allowing LDL cholesterol to accumulate in the bloodstream.

Causes of Low HDL % of Total Cholesterol

Several factors can contribute to low HDL levels and an overall lower HDL percentage of total cholesterol:

  • Poor Diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed sugars can lower HDL levels and raise total cholesterol.
  • Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyles are linked to lower HDL levels, as regular physical activity helps boost HDL cholesterol.
  • Smoking: Tobacco use lowers HDL levels and damages the cardiovascular system, contributing to a poor cholesterol profile.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with lower HDL levels and higher LDL cholesterol.
  • Genetics: Some people may have genetically low HDL levels, making them more prone to cardiovascular issues.
  • Certain Health Conditions: Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance can negatively affect HDL levels.

What to Do About Low HDL % of Total Cholesterol

Improving your HDL percentage of total cholesterol requires making lifestyle changes that raise HDL levels while optimizing your overall cholesterol profile. Here are some steps to take:

  1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet:

    • Increase Healthy Fats: Consume more unsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds. These fats can help increase HDL levels.
    • Avoid Trans Fats and Saturated Fats: Limit foods containing trans fats (such as processed snacks, fried foods, and baked goods) and reduce saturated fat intake from red meat and full-fat dairy products.
    • Increase Fiber Intake: Foods rich in soluble fiber, such as oats, beans, fruits, and vegetables, can help lower LDL cholesterol and improve your HDL % of total cholesterol.

  2. Exercise Regularly:

    • Aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, running, cycling, and swimming can raise HDL levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
    • Strength training exercises can also support cholesterol balance by improving overall cardiovascular health and boosting metabolism.

  3. Quit Smoking:

    • Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and damages blood vessels. Quitting smoking can result in a significant increase in HDL levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

  4. Lose Excess Weight:

    • If you are overweight or obese, losing just 5-10% of your body weight can improve your cholesterol profile, increasing HDL levels and reducing LDL cholesterol.

  5. Limit Alcohol Consumption:

    • In moderation, alcohol (particularly red wine) can raise HDL cholesterol. However, excessive drinking can lead to other health issues. If you drink alcohol, limit it to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

  6. Manage Chronic Conditions:

    • If you have diabetes or other metabolic conditions, keeping blood sugar and insulin levels under control can help improve your HDL cholesterol. Regular monitoring and medication may be necessary to manage these conditions effectively.

  7. Consider Medications:

    • If lifestyle changes are not enough to improve HDL levels, your healthcare provider may recommend medications such as statins, fibrates, or niacin to help manage cholesterol levels. These medications are often prescribed when there is a significant risk of cardiovascular disease.

Low levels of HDL % of total cholesterol indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, as there is insufficient protective HDL relative to the total cholesterol in your blood. To raise your HDL percentage and improve heart health, lifestyle changes such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing chronic conditions are key. If needed, medications can also help achieve healthier cholesterol levels. Taking steps to increase your HDL percentage will contribute to better cardiovascular health and a lower risk of heart disease.

Frequently asked questions

Healthmatters is a highly-personalized health dashboard.

Instead of searching for your lab results in different places or tracking them down from different providers, Healthmatters houses, organizes, and interprets them all in one central location.

With a Healthmatters account, you can dive into the details of each biomarker and gain insights into the meaning behind your medical test data, anytime, anywhere.

For our professional users, Healthmatters provides intuitive tools that not only streamline analysis but also save valuable time when delving into your client's lab report history.

Healthmatters.io personal account provides in-depth research on 4000+ biomarkers, including information and suggestions for test panels such as, but not limited to:

  • The GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Profile,
  • GI-MAP,
  • The NutrEval FMV®,
  • The ION Profile,
  • Amino Acids Profile,
  • Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH),
  • Organic Acids Test,
  • Organix Comprehensive Profile,
  • Toxic Metals,
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC),
  • Metabolic panel,
  • Thyroid panel,
  • Lipid Panel,
  • Urinalysis,
  • And many, many more.

You can combine all test reports inside your Healthmatters account and keep them in one place. It gives you an excellent overview of all your health data. Once you retest, you can add new results and compare them.

If you are still determining whether Healthmatters support your lab results, the rule is that if you can test it, you can upload it to Healthmatters.

While we work with many popular labs, we welcome reports from lots of other places too.

It's as simple as this: if you can get a test done, you can upload it to Healthmatters and we can interpret results from any lab out there. If laboratories can analyze it, we can interpret it.

If you’re on the hunt for a specific biomarker, contact us and we'll add it to our database. Anything from blood, urine, saliva, or stool can be uploaded, understood, and tracked with your Healthmatters account.

There are two ways to add your test reports to your Healthmatters account. One option is to input the data using the data entry forms. The other method is to utilize our "Data entry service."

Our data entry forms offer an easy, fast, and free way for you to input the reports yourself. Self-entry allows you to add an unlimited number of reports at no cost. We make the self-entry process user-friendly, providing dozens of templates that pre-populate the most popular laboratory panels and offering instant feedback on entered values.

For those who prefer assistance, we offer a "Data entry service" to help you input your data. Simply attach an image or file of your lab test results, and a qualified team member from our data entry team will add the results for you.

We support various file types, including PDFs, JPGs, or Excel. This service is particularly useful if you have many reports to upload or if you're too busy to handle the data entry yourself.

Our special data entry service makes it easy to add your results to your private dashboard. Just attach an image or a file of your lab test results, and our skilled data entry team will do the work for you. It's all done by humans, ensuring that your data is entered accurately and with personal care for each client.

Depending on your account, the data entry service can be included for free or come at an additional cost of $15 per report.

For users on the Complete monthly plan, the first report is entered free of charge, and each additional report incurs a fee of $15.

Unlimited account holders enjoy the entry of ten reports without charge. Subsequent reports are subject to a $15 fee per report.

Additionally, users on the Complete plan can upgrade to a yearly subscription from the account settings. The annual subscription includes a data entry service for five reports.

The Unlimited plan is a one-time purchase for $250, and it covers your account for a lifetime with no additional payments.

For the Complete plan, the cost is $15 per month. You have the flexibility to cancel it anytime through your account settings, ensuring no further payments. To avoid charges, remember to cancel at least a day before the renewal date. Once canceled, the subscription remains active until the end of the current billing cycle.

Additionally, you can upgrade to the yearly Advanced plan from within your account. The annual cost is $79, and it comes with a data entry service for five reports.

You can always upgrade to a lifetime version with a prorated price from a monthly or yearly subscription.

Simply log in and navigate to your account settings to cancel your subscription. Scroll down to locate the 'Cancel' button at the bottom of the page. Ensure you cancel at least one day before the renewal date to prevent any charges. Once cancellation is requested, the subscription remains active until the conclusion of the current billing cycle.

Our goal has been to make your Healthmatters account as intuitive as possible.

We’ve crafted multiple ways for you to navigate your data, whether you're glancing at a single report or delving into your historical test reports.

1. Graph View:

Dive into a visual journey with our biomarker graphs, showcasing over 40 data points. Combining years of results unveils trends, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our visualization tools make it a breeze to compare and understand changes over time, even if your results are from different labs. A search function and filters simplify the exploration of extensive data, allowing you to focus on what needs attention.

2. All Tests View

Explore neatly organized reports on a timeline, highlighting crucial details like dates, critical results, and lab/panel names. Each report opens up to reveal in-depth descriptions and additional recommendations for each biomarker. The history of previous results is just a click away, and you can download a comprehensive report for deeper insights. Color-coded and user-friendly, it's designed for easy reading, understanding, and navigation.

3. Table View:

For a holistic view of all biomarkers side by side, our table view is your go-to. Results are neatly displayed in a categorized and dated table, ideal for those with an extensive test history. Utilize sorting, filters, and color-coding to enhance your analysis and gain extra insights.

Yes, you can download information from your account. We can compile your labs into a CSV file. To download all your labs, you can go to Account Settings, and at the bottom of the page, you will find a link to download your information.

Yes, you can print your report. To do so, navigate to "All tests" and open the report you wish to print. You'll find a print button in the right corner of the report. Click on it, and your browser's print window will open. If you prefer to print in a bigger typeface, adjust the scale using the print window settings.

Yes, you can! We highly recommend activating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your account. To do so, please navigate to the "Profile and Security" section of your account, where you will find instructions for activating 2FA.

Yes, you can. When entering values for the biomarker, you will see an "Edit Range" button. Click this button, and you'll have the option to enter a custom range.

A personal account is all about keeping your own lab test results in check. It's just for you and your personal use.

The professional account is designed for health professionals who wish to track and organize their clients' laboratory results.

To learn more about Healthmatters Pro, please refer to the professional page.

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.


We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

Navigate to Lipid Panel

Popular search

%sdLDL-C, Apo B : Apo A-1, ApoA-I, Atherogenic index, Estimated CHD Risk, Fibrinogen, Glycomark (1 ,5-Anhydroglucitol), HDL % of Total Cholesterol, HDL-C, HDL-C/TG, hsCRP, IDL Cholesterol, LDL-C, LDL/HDL Cholesterol Ratio, Leptin : Adiponectin ratio, Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Non-HDL Cholesterol, Oxidized LDL, Oxidized LDL : LDL-C, OxLDL (Oxidized LDL), PLAC, PLAC (LP-PLA2 Activity), Small dense LDL Cholesterol, Small dense LDL-C : LDL-C, Total Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio, Triglycerides, Triglycerides to HDL Ratio, VLDL-C/TG, VLDL-C/TG (Boston Heart)