Non-HDL cholesterol, or non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a measure that includes all the "bad" types of cholesterol, which are the cholesterol particles other than HDL cholesterol. It is calculated by subtracting the HDL cholesterol number from the total cholesterol number. Non-HDL cholesterol is considered an important indicator of cardiovascular risk and may be as good as, or even more reliable than, LDL cholesterol for predicting heart disease.
Key points about non-HDL cholesterol include:
- It includes all the atherogenic (artery-clogging) lipoprotein particles, not just LDL, but also very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL).
- The target for non-HDL cholesterol is typically no greater than 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) above the recommended LDL level.
- Non-HDL cholesterol levels are used to assess the risk of heart disease and may be particularly relevant for individuals with high triglyceride levels.
- It is considered a more accurate indicator of cardiovascular death risk than LDL cholesterol, and the treatment goal for non-HDL cholesterol is typically 30 mg/dL above the LDL cholesterol treatment target.
In summary, non-HDL cholesterol is an important measure that provides valuable information about cardiovascular risk and is used in conjunction with other lipid profile measurements to assess an individuals risk of heart disease.
