Re: chromium polynicotinate

 I already know that it is inflammation that is the culprit, but surely high HDL cholesterol is still telling you that there is a problem in general,

I take it you meant LDL ("bad" cholesterol) not HDL ("good" cholesterol)?

i.e your body is not controlling the cholesterol and keeping a healthy ratio between the two.

Yes, this generally indicates poor liver function.  The liver is the primary regulator for cholesterol creating it as the body needs it and breaking it down when in excess.  A common misconception though is that when you have liver tests done at the hospital that this indicates liver function.  These do not tell you whether or not your liver is functioning properly though, they look for damage to the liver resulting in the elevated enzymes.  Although liver damage is not the only cause of these elevated enzymes.

I thought a test would just give me an idea about this.

So if i have problem with lipids, does that not mean high cholesterol?

Not necessarily.  There are several forms of cholesterol that can be tested for including HDL ("good" cholesterol) and LDL ("bad" cholesterol) as well as triglycerides.

I have BP erring on the low side.

This can be from poor adrenal function, dehydration, heavy exercising, etc.