High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and high-density cholesterol (HDL) refer to the same indicator, i.e. high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), which is an anti-atherosclerotic lipoprotein synthesized in the liver, and the higher the plasma level of which, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The full name of HDL is HDL cholesterol, and there is no clinical term for HDL cholesterol, so the two refer to the same indicator. The correct name for cholesterol is total cholesterol. Plasma HDL cholesterol values are usually obtained after a complete lipid profile, and the ideal range is >1.04 mmol/L. Total cholesterol refers to the cholesterol contained in all lipoproteins in the plasma, and its data are not useful for determining atherosclerosis. Because total cholesterol includes HDL cholesterol, which is inversely related to cardiovascular risk, and LDL cholesterol, which is positively related to cardiovascular risk, it often needs to be analyzed in conjunction with other indicators. Lipid test results, which reflect the risk of cardiovascular disease, should not be ignored, and medications and dietary adjustments need to be taken as prescribed by the doctor in order to reduce the risk of the disease.