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Calculate your non-HDL cholesterol - a comprehensive measure of all atherogenic particles
Non-HDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL
Includes LDL + VLDL + IDL + Lp(a)
Non-HDL cholesterol represents all the "bad" cholesterol particles that can contribute to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries). It includes LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a) - essentially everything except the protective HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Non-HDL is increasingly seen as a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone, especially when triglycerides are elevated. Unlike LDL calculated by the Friedewald equation, non-HDL can be accurately calculated from a non-fasting sample.
| Risk Category | Non-HDL Goal (mg/dL) | LDL Goal (mg/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| Very High Risk (CVD, diabetes) | <100 | <70 |
| High Risk (2+ factors) | <130 | <100 |
| Moderate Risk (2 factors) | <160 | <130 |
| Low Risk (0-1 factor) | <190 | <160 |
Non-HDL goal is typically LDL goal + 30 mg/dL
Both are important. Non-HDL is particularly useful if you have high triglycerides, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes, where it may better predict risk. Many guidelines now recommend non-HDL as a secondary target after LDL.
Non-HDL includes everything that's not HDL: LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a). LDL is just one component. Non-HDL is typically about 30 mg/dL higher than LDL because it includes VLDL (triglycerides ÷ 5).
The same strategies that lower LDL also lower non-HDL: reduce saturated fat, increase fiber, exercise regularly, maintain healthy weight. Lowering triglycerides (reducing sugar/refined carbs) specifically helps non-HDL.