HDL Cholesterol Subclasses details

This test measures the concentrations of 2 major high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol subclasses (HDL2 cholesterol and HDL3 cholesterol) and may be used in studying the correlation between HDL subclasses and certain diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

HDL is a heterogeneous group of particles that transports lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Based on hydrated densities, HDL can be divided into HDL2 (40% of total HDL) and HDL3 (60% of total HDL); HDL3 is smaller and denser. HDL2 and HDL3 differ in composition, functionality, and atherogenic or atheroprotective properties [1].

HDL cholesterol level has been inversely related to the CHD risk, but simply increasing total HDL cholesterol levels could not reduce future cardiovascular events [1]. Therefore, the atheroprotective properties of HDL were assumed to be rooted in the functionality of different HDL particles instead of total HDL cholesterol concentration. The value of HDL subgroup measurements for assessing CHD risk and various other conditions have been investigated, but whether HDL2 or HDL3 is the beneficial subfraction for CHD remains unclear [1].

The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.

Reference

1. Lappegard KT, et al. Biomedicines. 2021;9(7):836.