HDL Cholesterol Subclasses Test

HDL-2 is a specific subtype of 'good' cholesterol that is particularly protective against heart disease. This specialized test uses ultracentrifugation to isolate and measure HDL-2 cholesterol specifically. Higher HDL-2 levels are associated with better cardiovascular health and lower risk of heart attack and stroke. While standard cholesterol panels measure total HDL, this advanced test provides more detailed information about HDL quality, helping clinicians assess detailed cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic concerns or significant family histories of heart disease.

This test measures cholesterol specifically within HDL-3, a subclass of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is often called 'good cholesterol' because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries. HDL-3 is smaller and denser than HDL-2, and higher HDL-3 cholesterol levels are associated with better cardiovascular protection. This detailed lipoprotein analysis helps assess your cardiovascular risk more precisely than standard cholesterol testing.