Reference Range. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is used in the assessment of coronary or other vascular pathology risk. The reference range of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is 40-50 mg/dL in men and 50-60 mg/dL in women.Next.he reference range of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is 40-50 mg/dL in men and 50-60 mg/dL in women. Next.