What is HDL analysis

Good HDL cholesterol

HDL, scientifically known as high-density lipoprotein, is a type of lipoprotein (cholesterol) in the blood. This type of lipoprotein contains a small amount of cholesterol while most proteins form, It is called good cholesterol because it transfers excess cholesterol from the body’s tissues to the liver (liver) in order to get rid of it properly. The analysis of high-density lipoproteins is one of the tests to measure the level of cholesterol useful. In fact, this analysis is not conducted alone, but measured with the rest of the types of cholesterol. This group of tests is called lipid profile.

Types of blood fats

When the complete fat analysis is performed, the examination will show four readings.

• High density lipoproteins.
• Low-density lipoproteins: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is also called LDL.
• Triglycerides: Triglycerides are also a type of fat in the blood that increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
• Total cholesterol: The total cholesterol level is based on the level of triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins.

Reasons for the analysis

Doctors generally recommend a complete lipid examination, including screening of high-density lipoproteins to determine and assess the risk of heart disease. This analysis is performed in the following cases:

• When high cholesterol readings are examined.
• For all individuals aged 20 years or older. The American Heart Association recommends full fat analysis every four or six years for this group.
• For people at risk of heart disease, such as people who smoke, diabetes, people with a family history of heart disease, and those with high blood pressure (High Blood Pressure) ), All males over the age of 45, and females over the age of fifty-five.
• To measure the effectiveness of the treatments used or changes in lifestyle to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood; such as a diet, exercise, and quit smoking.

Instructions for conducting analysis

This examination is usually performed as part of a complete blood analysis, so fasting and abstinence from food and drink only require water for a period of nine to twelve hours in general, but the doctor may suggest that in some cases it is not fasting. Instructions indicated by the competent doctor. It should be noted that it should not be done in some cases affecting the blood level, such as disease, as acute diseases such as heart attacks or cases that cause tension, such as surgery or accidents may reduce the level of cholesterol temporarily, so it must wait for the least Six weeks after the disease is cured. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) screening results may also be affected during pregnancy, so it can be done at least 6 weeks after birth.

Reference readings for analysis

The following readings, according to the recommendations of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, are the reference readings for the testing of high-density lipoproteins in milligrams / deciliters:

Elevate the HDL level in the blood

Foods that help increase it

Foods that may increase beneficial cholesterol values ​​include:

• olive oil.
• Whole grains, such as brown rice, bran, and others.
• Fruits are full of fiber, such as apples, peaches, and pears.
• Fatty fish, because they contain omega-3 fatty acids (Omega-3 Fatty Acids).
• Seeds and flax oil.
• Nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, and others.
• Shea seeds.
• Avocado, because it contains monounsaturated fats such as folic acid.
• Milk and processed foods, because they contain beneficial bacteria in the digestive system (Gut Flora), which recent studies have shown to have a good effect on the level of cholesterol in the blood and the risk of heart disease.

Practices that help to increase it

The procedures and practices that help to increase the high density lipoproteins in the blood include:

• Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces the value of beneficial cholesterol in the blood, so quitting is an effective way to increase blood levels.
• Exercise: Increased exercise and exercise can increase and raise the levels of beneficial cholesterol in the blood. It is possible to exercise for ten to fifteen minutes several times a week for people who are not accustomed to it, and then gradually increase it to Thirty minutes of strained walking at least five times a week.
• Weight Loss: Weight reduction helps to increase beneficial cholesterol and reduce harmful cholesterol in the blood.