Non-HDL Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol is all the cholesterol in the blood except the HDL part, covering LDL and the other cholesterol-carrying particles.
Non-HDL cholesterol is all the cholesterol in the blood except the HDL part, covering LDL and the other cholesterol-carrying particles. It is calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol and gives a broader view of the blood fats than LDL alone. It is one of the values that relate to heart and blood vessel health, and it can be measured without fasting.
A diet high in saturated and trans fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates tends to raise it, as do little physical activity, extra weight around the waist, smoking and a lot of alcohol. Genes and some medicines, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, also play a part.
Foods that help
Foods with fibre and unsaturated fats: vegetables, legumes, oats, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, rapeseed oil and fatty fish.
Foods to limit
Fatty meat, processed meat, butter, pastries, fried food, sugary drinks and a lot of alcohol tend to raise the cholesterol-carrying particles that non-HDL cholesterol counts.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
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