Home Biomarkers Non - HDL Cholesterol

Non - HDL Cholesterol

Lipids Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Lipids

Overview

Non‑HDL cholesterol is the total cholesterol content of all atherogenic (blood vessel–clogging) lipoproteins: total cholesterol minus HDL‑cholesterol. The test measures the combined cholesterol carried by LDL, VLDL, IDL, lipoprotein(a) and chylomicron remnants particles linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. It is used to assess overall atherogenic burden and cardiovascular risk. Indications include routine lipid screening, risk assessment for heart attack/stroke, and monitoring lipid‑lowering therapy. Levels vary with age (tend to rise with age), sex (men often have higher levels earlier; women rise after menopause), metabolic state, and genetics.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Which profile is the test included in: Lipid profile (Lipids panel).
Symptoms indicating need: Often none (screening); chest pain, exertional breathlessness, xanthomas, or premature cardiovascular events in family.
Conditions it may diagnose/monitor: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, dyslipidemia, response to therapy.
Reasons for abnormal levels: Poor diet, obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, genetic dyslipidemias.
Biological meaning of abnormal values: Elevated non‑HDL = increased atherogenic particles and higher ASCVD risk; low values may reflect malnutrition or hyperthyroidism.
Behaviors/lifestyle: High saturated fat/ trans fat intake, inactivity, excess alcohol, smoking.
Family history: Early heart disease or familial hypercholesterolemia warrants testing.

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Understanding Test Results

<130 mg/dL: Desirable for most adults; indicates lower atherogenic particle burden and lower average ASCVD risk.
130–159 mg/dL: Borderline‑high modestly increased risk; lifestyle modification and risk factor review advised.
160–189 mg/dL: High substantially increased risk; consider treatment and further evaluation (diabetes, hypothyroid, secondary causes).
≥190 mg/dL: Very high suggests marked atherogenic burden (may reflect familial dyslipidemia); intensive lipid‑lowering therapy usually indicated.
Special targets: for people with known ASCVD or very high risk, clinicians often aim for lower non‑HDL goals (for example <100 mg/dL, sometimes <70 mg/dL for very high risk).
Very low non‑HDL levels are uncommon; if present, assess for malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, or liver disease.
Non‑HDL is useful in non‑fasting samples and better reflects risk when triglycerides are elevated.

Normal Range

<130 mg/dL OR <3.37 mmol/L

FAQs

Q: What does a high non HDL cholesterol mean?

A: High non‑HDL cholesterol total cholesterol minus HDL means elevated atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL, remnant lipoproteins). It signals increased risk of plaque buildup, coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. It’s often a better predictor than LDL alone when triglycerides are high. Management usually involves lifestyle changes and, if needed, lipid‑lowering medication to reach individualized targets.

Q: How do I reduce my non-HDL cholesterol?

A: Lower non‑HDL cholesterol by adopting a heart‑healthy lifestyle: cut saturated and trans fats, choose lean proteins, increase fiber, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and oily fish; lose excess weight; do at least 150 minutes/week moderate exercise; stop smoking; limit alcohol; control blood pressure and diabetes. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, talk to your clinician about cholesterol‑lowering medication and regular lipid monitoring.

Q: What's a good non-HDL number?

A: A good non-HDL cholesterol level is generally under 130 mg/dL for most adults. If you’re at higher cardiovascular risk (existing heart disease or diabetes), aim for under 100 mg/dL some clinicians prefer even lower targets for very high-risk patients. Non-HDL total cholesterol minus HDL. Discuss individualized targets and treatment with your clinician.

Q: What if my non-HDL cholesterol is 182?

A: A non‑HDL cholesterol of 182 mg/dL is considered high and raises your risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Have your 10‑year risk assessed by a clinician. Start heart‑healthy habits: reduce saturated/trans fats and refined carbs, eat more fiber, exercise regularly, lose weight if needed, stop smoking, and control blood pressure and diabetes. Depending on risk, your clinician may recommend statin therapy and repeat testing.

Q: Can stress cause high non-HDL cholesterol?

A: Stress can contribute to higher non‑HDL cholesterol indirectly: chronic stress raises cortisol and encourages unhealthy behaviors (overeating, alcohol, smoking, inactivity), which can raise LDL and other atherogenic lipoproteins. Acute stress may cause transient changes. Managing stress with exercise, good sleep, healthy diet, quitting smoking and medical treatment when needed helps control non‑HDL cholesterol; check levels with your clinician.

Q: What foods are high in non-HDL cholesterol?

A: Foods that raise non‑HDL cholesterol are those high in saturated and trans fats and dietary cholesterol: fatty red meats and processed meats (sausage, bacon), full‑fat dairy (butter, cheese, cream), fried and fast foods, commercial baked goods and pastries, and tropical oils (coconut, palm). Limiting these and choosing lean proteins, low‑fat dairy, and plant oils helps lower non‑HDL levels.