Heart

Remnant Cholesterol

Remnant cholesterol is the cholesterol carried by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (VLDL, IDL, chylomicron remnants) after they deliver fat to tissues.

What it is

Remnant cholesterol is the cholesterol carried by triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (VLDL, IDL, chylomicron remnants) after they deliver fat to tissues. It is directly atherogenic and an independent cardiovascular risk factor often missed by standard LDL measurement.

What affects your levels

Simultaneous high dietary carbohydrate and fat intake, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, familial combined hyperlipidaemia, and type 2 diabetes.

Signs and symptoms

Asymptomatic. Elevated remnant cholesterol with xanthelasma or family history of early cardiovascular events is clinically significant.

Foods that help

Omega-3 suppresses hepatic VLDL. High-fibre diets accelerate remnant clearance. Physical activity improves lipoprotein lipase activity.

Foods to limit

Refined carbohydrates combined with dietary fat (ultra-processed foods) drive remnant particle production. Alcohol raises VLDL secretion.

Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every Pheno result is interpreted in context and reviewed by a physician.

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