HDL Particle Number · high result
What does a high HDL Particle Number mean?
Short answer
A high HDL particle number is generally favorable and reflects regular aerobic exercise, healthy weight, moderate alcohol intake, estrogen, or inherited high-HDL traits. Very high values (with very high HDL cholesterol) are not always protective — some genetic variants produce large, dysfunctional HDL — but no action follows from a high HDL-P alone.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for HDL Particle Number?
- age 18+: 30.5 – 50.0 umol/L
Full reference table, citations and testing options: HDL Particle Number biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high HDL Particle Number?
- Regular aerobic exercise, healthy weight
- Estrogen (pill, pregnancy), moderate alcohol
- Inherited high-HDL traits (CETP deficiency and others)
- Some medications: fibrates, niacin
What symptoms go with high HDL Particle Number?
- None
What do clinicians usually check next?
- No action; keep the habits that produced it
- Continue to manage ApoB/LDL, which high HDL does not offset
How do you recheck HDL Particle Number?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cholesterol Particle Test (NMR) | Test · 9 biomarkers | $70.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
Common questions
Is very high HDL always good?
Mostly, but not a license to ignore LDL. In some inherited cases very high HDL is dysfunctional, and in large studies risk stops falling above roughly 80–90 mg/dL of HDL cholesterol.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.