Non-high-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Non–HDL-C)

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL cholesterol) is a calculated value representing the total amount of cholesterol carried by all lipoproteins in the blood except for high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It reflects the sum of all circulating atherogenic lipid particles that can contribute to plaque formation in arteries. It is determined by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, thus encompassing all potentially atherogenic particles, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and lipoprotein(a). Elevated non-HDL levels indicate increased risk for cardiovascular events, and many guidelines now recommend using non-HDL as an important marker for assessing and managing dyslipidemia and overall heart disease risk.

Other names

Non-HDL

The listed drugs lower non-HDL cholesterol through various mechanisms, including inhibiting cholesterol synthesis (statins), blocking cholesterol absorption (ezetimibe), inhibiting PCSK9 (PCSK9 inhibitors), reducing triglyceride levels (fibrates, niacin), and increasing bile acid excretion (bile acid sequestrants).