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Non-HDL cholesterol

Cholesterol and fats · Non-HDL · also printed as Non HDL cholesterol, Non-HDL, Non HDL, Non-HDL-C, Non HDL-C

Typical UK adult rangebelow 4.0 mmol/L

Most UK laboratories print an upper limit of 4.0 mmol/L for the general population. It is calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol.

What this test measures

Non-HDL cholesterol is simply the total cholesterol with the HDL ('good') fraction taken away. What is left is the cholesterol carried in all the particles that can deposit in artery walls, including LDL and the triglyceride-rich particles. UK guidance now favours this figure over LDL because it does not depend on fasting and can be worked out on every sample.

Why doctors request it

Doctors use it on the lipid profile when looking at heart and circulation health and when following the effect of cholesterol-lowering medicines, because it captures all the cholesterol in the particles that matter and is reliable without fasting.

What commonly pushes it up

A diet high in saturated fat
Family patterns of high cholesterol
An underactive thyroid
Type 2 diabetes and being overweight, through the triglyceride-rich particles
Kidney disease with protein loss in the urine, and some liver conditions

What commonly pushes it down

Cholesterol-lowering medicines such as statins
Weight loss and changes in diet
An overactive thyroid
Long-term illness and poor nutrition
The weeks after a heart attack, surgery or serious infection

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

It falls for several weeks after any acute illness
It is a calculated figure, so small method differences in total and HDL cholesterol carry through
It sits a little higher in winter

About the sample

No fasting needed; this is one of its advantages. Read alongside total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides, and follow the trend over time.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.