Non-HDL cholesterol test explained (non-HDL)
Less than 130 mg/dl, converted to mmol/l — healthy value (MedlinePlus)
- Updated
- 2026-09-10
- Every number with its source
What non-HDL cholesterol is
Non-HDL cholesterol is not measured separately on its own — it is calculated from an ordinary lipid panel: the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is subtracted from total cholesterol. What is left includes all the other cholesterol-carrying particles in the blood — LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very-low-density lipoproteins) and their remnants. All of these particles are considered atherogenic, that is, able to contribute to fatty deposits forming in the walls of blood vessels. Because calculating non-HDL cholesterol does not require the patient to have fasted before the test (unlike triglycerides or an accurate LDL), it is convenient to assess from an ordinary blood test at any time of day. Non-HDL cholesterol is assessed together with total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides as part of the lipid profile (lipid panel).
Healthy values
| Group | Healthy value, mmol/l | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults from age 20 Less than 130 mg/dl, converted to mmol/l — healthy value (MedlinePlus) | less than 3.36 | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2024-10-15 | |
| Children and adolescents up to age 19 Less than 120 mg/dl, converted to mmol/l — healthy value (MedlinePlus) | less than 3.10 | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2024-10-15 | |
According to MedlinePlus, the healthy non-HDL cholesterol value for children and adolescents up to age 19 is less than 120 mg/dl (3.10 mmol/l), while for adults from age 20 the limit is higher — less than 130 mg/dl (3.36 mmol/l). The source gives these two ranges as separate guidance by age group, but does not explain why the particular limit for children is lower — neither growth nor any other physiological factor is named in the text. So when a child's result is being assessed, it is important to compare it with the range for children (up to 120 mg/dl, or 3.10 mmol/l) and not with the adult limit, because the same numeric value can mean a different category for a child and for an adult. It is also worth paying attention to the reference range given by the particular laboratory, as it may differ slightly from the general guidance.
When non-HDL cholesterol is tested
- As part of an ordinary lipid panel, when assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease
- When total cholesterol or LDL is raised and the whole quantity of atherogenic particles needs to be assessed more precisely
- When triglycerides are raised — LDL is then harder to calculate, while non-HDL cholesterol remains a reliable indicator
- To assess whether treatment or lifestyle changes intended to lower cholesterol are working
- In diabetes, or when other cardiovascular risk factors are present
How to prepare
- Blood is usually taken after 8–12 hours without food, because the test is most often done together with a full lipid panel (see preparing for a lipid panel)
- It is worth telling your doctor about all the medicines and food supplements you take, as they can affect the result
- Alcohol before the test can distort the results, so it is better avoided
A raised non-HDL cholesterol result
A raised non-HDL cholesterol shows that there are many atherogenic particles in the blood — LDL, VLDL and their remnants. The most common causes are fatty food, excess weight, too little physical activity, and also some conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disorders) and inherited disorders of lipid metabolism. Under the MedlinePlus guidance it is considered raised when it exceeds 130 mg/dl (3.36 mmol/l) in adults.
- Eating fatty food, especially food rich in saturated fat
- Excess weight or obesity
- Insufficient physical activity
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Some medicines — for example hormonal contraceptives, diuretics, beta blockers
- Inherited disorders of lipid metabolism (for example familial combined hyperlipidaemia or familial hypercholesterolaemia)
What to discuss with a doctor:
- A full lipid panel — total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides — so that it is clear which part is creating the risk
- Lifestyle factors — diet, physical activity, weight
- Whether there are other cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, smoking, diabetes)
- Family history, for inherited disorders of lipid metabolism
- When to repeat the test, so that the change over time can be seen
Non-HDL cholesterol and LDL
LDL is only one kind of atherogenic particle. Non-HDL cholesterol covers LDL and other similar particles (VLDL and their remnants), so it gives a broader picture of the whole atherogenic load, especially when triglycerides are raised and LDL is harder to calculate accurately. Because the indicator covers LDL and the other atherogenic particles, some guidelines consider it more informative than LDL alone.
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Frequently asked questions
›What is non-HDL cholesterol?
It is all the cholesterol in the particles that are not HDL (high-density lipoproteins) — mostly LDL and VLDL and their remnants. It is calculated from total cholesterol by subtracting HDL, so it needs no separate blood sample.
›What is the normal non-HDL cholesterol level?
According to MedlinePlus, the healthy value for adults from age 20 is less than 130 mg/dl (about 3.36 mmol/l), and for people under 20 less than 120 mg/dl (about 3.10 mmol/l). You will find your laboratory's exact range on your result sheet.
›How does non-HDL cholesterol differ from LDL cholesterol?
LDL is only one kind of atherogenic particle. Non-HDL cholesterol covers LDL and other similar particles (VLDL and their remnants), so it gives a broader picture of the whole atherogenic load, especially when triglycerides are raised and LDL is harder to calculate accurately.
›Do I need to fast before a non-HDL cholesterol test?
Fasting is not necessary to calculate non-HDL cholesterol itself, but blood is most often taken together with a full lipid panel, for which your doctor may ask you to go without food for 8–12 hours before the test.
›Why can non-HDL cholesterol be raised?
The most common causes are fatty food, excess weight, low physical activity, and also diabetes, kidney or thyroid disease, some medicines and inherited disorders of lipid metabolism. A full lipid panel and a doctor's assessment help to work out the cause.
›Is non-HDL cholesterol tested separately from the lipid panel?
No — it is calculated from the same lipid panel that measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides, so no separate blood draw is needed.
Sources
Related markers
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.