1. What is Non-HDL Cholesterol?

Non-HDL cholesterol represents all cholesterol particles that are considered atherogenic (plaque-forming), including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and lipoprotein(a). It provides a comprehensive measure of cholesterol-related cardiovascular risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — All cholesterol in the blood (mg/dL)
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: By subtracting HDL from total cholesterol, we get the sum of all atherogenic cholesterol particles that contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.

3. Importance of Non-HDL Calculation

Details: Non-HDL cholesterol is considered a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone, as it includes all atherogenic particles. It's particularly useful when triglyceride levels are elevated.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers obtained from a recent lipid panel test.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are optimal Non-HDL levels?
A: Optimal is <130 mg/dL, near optimal 130-159 mg/dL, borderline high 160-189 mg/dL, high 190-219 mg/dL, and very high ≥220 mg/dL.

Q2: Why is Non-HDL better than LDL?
A: Non-HDL includes all atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL) while LDL only measures low-density lipoprotein. This provides a more complete cardiovascular risk assessment.

Q3: When should Non-HDL be calculated?
A: Non-HDL should be calculated whenever a lipid panel is performed, especially in patients with elevated triglycerides, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.

Q4: How often should cholesterol be tested?
A: Adults should have a lipid panel every 4-6 years. Those with risk factors or on cholesterol medication may need more frequent testing.

Q5: Can Non-HDL be too low?
A: Extremely low Non-HDL (<50 mg/dL) is rare but may be associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke and other health issues.