Non-HDL Cholesterol Calculator
Calculate your atherogenic cholesterol โ all the cholesterol that can build up in your arteries. A more complete picture than LDL alone.
Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting your HDL ("good") cholesterol from your total cholesterol. The result represents ALL atherogenic (artery-clogging) lipoproteins in your blood โ including LDL, VLDL, IDL, lipoprotein(a), and remnant particles.
Many cardiovascular researchers consider Non-HDL a superior predictor of heart disease risk compared to LDL alone. The 2018 ACC/AHA guidelines emphasize non-HDL cholesterol, especially for patients with elevated triglycerides, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
- โขCaptures ALL atherogenic particles: LDL-C misses VLDL, IDL, Lp(a), and remnant cholesterol. Non-HDL includes everything that can deposit in artery walls.
- โขNo fasting required: Non-HDL is accurate whether or not you've fasted. LDL calculated by Friedewald equation becomes inaccurate with high triglycerides.
- โขBetter for metabolic syndrome: In patients with high triglycerides (common in insulin resistance), LDL underestimates true atherogenic burden. Non-HDL doesn't.
- โขValidated in major outcomes trials: The Framingham Heart Study and multiple statin trials show Non-HDL predicts cardiovascular events better than LDL-C.
Non-HDL is valuable for everyone, but especially important for:
- โขPeople with elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dL)
- โขThose with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- โขAnyone with metabolic syndrome
- โขThose with family history of heart disease
- โขPeople whose LDL is at goal but still have cardiovascular risk
- โขAnyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet (to see beyond LDL)
Since Non-HDL captures multiple lipoprotein types, improvement strategies are multifaceted:
- โขReduce triglycerides: This lowers VLDL and remnant particles. Limit refined carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol. Consider omega-3 fatty acids.
- โขDietary patterns: Mediterranean diet, low-carbohydrate diets, and reduced processed food intake all improve Non-HDL profiles.
- โขPhysical activity: Regular exercise lowers triglycerides and raises HDL, improving the Non-HDL calculation from both sides.
- โขWeight management: Losing excess body fat, especially visceral fat, reduces VLDL production and improves all atherogenic markers.
- โขAddress insulin resistance: Insulin resistance drives VLDL overproduction. Improving insulin sensitivity (via diet, exercise, or medication) reduces Non-HDL.
Track Your Non-HDL Over Time
See your atherogenic cholesterol trend and celebrate improvements. Sign up free to save your results.
Start Tracking Free โUnderstanding Your Non-HDL Result
Non-HDL targets are typically 30 mg/dL higher than LDL targets. Here are three perspectives:
Standard Medical
ATP III/ACC guidelines. Focus on cardiovascular risk reduction.
| Range | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| < 100 mg/dL | Optimal | Low cardiovascular risk. ATP III primary goal for high-risk patients. |
| 100-129 mg/dL | Near Optimal | Acceptable for most adults. Consider lifestyle optimization. |
| 130-159 mg/dL | Borderline High | Elevated atherogenic burden. Lifestyle intervention recommended. |
| 160-189 mg/dL | High | Significant cardiovascular risk. Medical evaluation advised. |
| โฅ 190 mg/dL | Very High | High risk. Aggressive intervention typically recommended. |
Research Consensus
Preventive cardiology approach based on large-scale outcome studies.
| Range | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| < 70 mg/dL | Excellent | Minimal atherogenic burden. Preventive cardiology target. |
| 70-99 mg/dL | Optimal | Low atherosclerotic risk. Ideal for most individuals. |
| 100-129 mg/dL | Acceptable | Room for improvement through lifestyle modifications. |
| โฅ 130 mg/dL | Elevated | Above optimal. Consider dietary and lifestyle changes. |
Metabolic Optimization
Context for those following low-carb diets where LDL may rise but particle quality improves.
| Range | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| TG/HDL < 2.0 | Favorable | Good metabolic profile despite possible LDL increase. |
| Non-HDL stable/โ | Good adaptation | VLDL reduction offsets any LDL increase. |
| LDL โ but TG โโ | Context needed | Possible LMHR phenotype. Check TG/HDL and particle size. |
| Both Non-HDL & TG โ | Investigate | Atypical pattern. Consider dietary saturated fat sources. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cui Y, Blumenthal RS, Flaws JA, et al.. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level as a predictor of cardiovascular disease mortality. Archives of Internal Medicine, 161(11), 1413-1419. 2001. PMID: 11386890
- National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel. Third Report of the NCEP Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Circulation, 106(25), 3143-3421. 2002. PMID: 12485966
- Sniderman AD, Furberg CD, Keech A, et al.. Apolipoproteins versus lipids as indices of coronary risk and as targets for statin treatment. Lancet, 361(9359), 777-780. 2003. PMID: 12620753
More Calculators
Medical Disclaimer
The Non-HDL Cholesterol calculator provided on Metabolicum is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Last updated: December 2025