Non-HDL Cholesterol

Routine annual

also non-hdl-c

What it isA simple subtraction — total cholesterol minus HDL — that captures the cholesterol carried in every atherogenic particle (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a), chylomicron remnants) in one number.

DoesSums up the cholesterol available to deposit into vessel walls.

GoodLow non-HDL indicates a low burden of atherogenic particles and tracks lower cardiovascular event rates.

BadElevated non-HDL predicts heart attack and stroke better than LDL-C alone, especially in people with high triglycerides where LDL-C is unreliable.

Standard

<130 mg/dL optimal.

Optimal

50–90 mg/dL (lower is good)

Modifiers

Tracks LDL plus remnant lipoproteins; rises with weight gain, insulin resistance.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Zone 2 cardio, resistance training, weight loss; quit smoking.
Diet: Cut saturated fat, refined carbs, and alcohol; add soluble fiber (psyllium 10g/day), nuts, olive oil, fatty fish.
Supplements: Omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day), psyllium (10g/day), plant sterols (2g/day), berberine (500mg 3×/day), bergamot extract (500mg 2×/day).
Peptides: GLP-1 agonists.
Drugs: Statins, ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, PCSK9 inhibitors, inclisiran, fibrates.

within Cholesterol & Lipids