1. What is Non-HDL Cholesterol?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This calculation provides a measure of all cholesterol contained in potentially harmful lipid particles.

3. Importance of Non-HDL Cholesterol

Details: Non-HDL cholesterol is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Many guidelines now recommend non-HDL cholesterol as a secondary treatment target after LDL cholesterol.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers, and total cholesterol should be greater than HDL.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is non-HDL cholesterol important?
A: It includes all atherogenic cholesterol particles, providing a more comprehensive risk assessment than LDL alone.

Q2: What are optimal non-HDL cholesterol levels?
A: Generally, non-HDL should be less than 130 mg/dL for average risk individuals, and below 100 mg/dL for high-risk patients.

Q3: When should I get my cholesterol checked?
A: Adults should have a lipid panel every 4-6 years starting at age 20, more frequently if risk factors exist.

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

Q5: Is fasting required for non-HDL calculation?
A: Unlike LDL calculation, non-HDL can be accurately calculated from non-fasting blood samples, making it more convenient.