An updated test measures how well ‘good cholesterol’ works

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often called “good cholesterol,” removes extra cholesterol from the arteries by gobbling up early-forming plaque and transporting it to the liver, which flushes it out of the body. It’s an essential job: when too much plaque accumulates in the arteries, it can narrow blood vessels and impede blood flow, or even rupture. This can lead to severe events, including heart attacks and stroke.