Clinical Significance

High density lipoproteins (HDL) are responsible for the reverse transport of cholesterol from the peripheral cells to the liver. In the liver, cholesterol is transformed to bile acids which are then excreted into the intestine via the biliary tract. 

Monitoring of HDL‑cholesterol in serum or plasma is of clinical relevance as the HDL‑cholesterol concentration is important in the assessment of atherosclerotic risk. Elevated HDL‑cholesterol concentrations protect against coronary heart disease (CHD), whereas reduced HDL‑cholesterol concentrations, particularly in conjunction with elevated triglycerides, increase cardiovascular risk.

_{Source: Roche Cobas HDLC4 Method Sheet Version 4.0 2024-08}