Non-HDL Cholesterol (NON-HDL)

What is Non-HDL Cholesterol?

Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL (good) cholesterol from total cholesterol. This measurement captures all potentially harmful cholesterol-carrying particles, including LDL, VLDL, and other atherogenic lipoproteins. It’s considered a comprehensive marker of cardiovascular risk because it accounts for all cholesterol that could contribute to plaque formation.

Why is it Tested?

Non-HDL cholesterol is used as a secondary target for cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment, particularly when triglycerides are elevated. Unlike LDL cholesterol calculations, which can be inaccurate when triglycerides are high, non-HDL cholesterol remains reliable regardless of triglyceride levels, making it especially useful in metabolic syndrome and diabetes management.

Normal Ranges

Reference ranges based on cardiovascular risk guidelines:

Optimal: <130 mg/dL
Near optimal: 130–159 mg/dL
Borderline high: 160–189 mg/dL
High: 190–219 mg/dL
Very high: ≥220 mg/dL

Targets may be lower for individuals with higher cardiovascular risk.

Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

Low Non-HDL Cholesterol

Lower levels indicate fewer atherogenic particles and are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. This is generally the goal of lipid management strategies.

High Non-HDL Cholesterol

Elevated levels suggest increased cardiovascular risk and may indicate:

Need for lifestyle modifications or lipid-lowering therapy
Increased risk of coronary artery disease
Metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance
Genetic predisposition to high cholesterol

How to Track Over Time

Monitoring non-HDL cholesterol trends helps evaluate overall lipid management effectiveness, especially when triglycerides fluctuate. Changes in non-HDL cholesterol often reflect the combined impact of diet, exercise, and medications on all atherogenic particles, providing a comprehensive view of cardiovascular risk reduction efforts.

Non-HDL Cholesterol