1. What is Non-HDL Cholesterol?

Non-HDL cholesterol represents all atherogenic (artery-clogging) cholesterol particles, including LDL, VLDL, and lipoprotein(a). It's considered a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — The sum of all cholesterol in your blood
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein ("good" cholesterol)

Explanation: By subtracting HDL from total cholesterol, we get the amount of cholesterol carried by all atherogenic particles.

3. Importance of Non-HDL Calculation

Details: Non-HDL cholesterol is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. It's particularly useful when triglyceride levels are elevated, as it captures all harmful cholesterol particles.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are optimal Non-HDL levels?
A: Optimal is <130 mg/dL for most adults. For high-risk patients, <100 mg/dL is recommended.

Q2: Why is Non-HDL better than LDL alone?
A: Non-HDL includes all atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL), providing a more complete picture of cardiovascular risk.

Q3: When should I get my cholesterol checked?
A: Adults should have a lipid panel every 4-6 years. Those with risk factors may need more frequent testing.

Q4: How can I lower my Non-HDL cholesterol?
A: Lifestyle changes include healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and if needed, cholesterol-lowering medications.

Q5: Is fasting required for Non-HDL calculation?
A: While fasting provides more accurate triglyceride measurements, Non-HDL can be calculated from non-fasting samples as it doesn't require triglyceride values.