non-HDL cholesterol
Total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol, representing all atherogenic lipoproteins including LDL, VLDL, and remnants.
Full Definition
Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, providing a measure of all cholesterol carried by atherogenic lipoproteins including LDL, VLDL, and remnant particles. This parameter is particularly useful in patients with elevated triglycerides where LDL-C calculation may be inaccurate using the Friedewald equation. Non-HDL cholesterol is considered a secondary target in lipid management guidelines and may be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL-C alone in certain patient populations, particularly those with metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate non-HDL. Particularly important in patients with triglycerides >400 mg/dL.
In Context
- "Non-HDL cholesterol remained elevated at 165 mg/dL despite statin therapy." — Laboratory review
- "The target non-HDL cholesterol for this high-risk patient is less than 100 mg/dL." — Treatment goal setting