non-HDL

non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

What's

non-HDL

Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (non-HDL) is a way to measure the "bad" cholesterol in your blood. Unlike HDL, which is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps protect your heart, non-HDL includes all the other types of cholesterol that can cause plaque to build up in your arteries. This covers Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), and Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein (IDL). To find your non-HDL level, you simply subtract your HDL cholesterol from your total cholesterol. This gives you a better understanding of your cholesterol situation than just looking at LDL alone. Non-HDL is useful for getting a clearer picture of your heart health and helping you make decisions about your lifestyle or treatment options.

If Your Levels Are High

Having high non-HDL cholesterol means that there might be more "bad" cholesterol in your blood than what"s usually considered healthy. This can happen for various reasons, such as eating foods rich in saturated and trans fats, not getting enough exercise, or even due to your genes. Some medications, like beta-blockers or diuretics, can also impact your cholesterol levels. In certain cases, high non-HDL cholesterol could point to other health issues like an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or a group of conditions called metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of non-HDL are often not noticeable until serious health issues arise, such as heart disease. However, in some cases, individuals may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

If Your Levels are Low

A low non-HDL cholesterol level means that your body is doing a good job at managing and getting rid of the "bad" cholesterol in your blood. This can be due to a mix of things like eating well, exercising regularly, and maybe even your genes. It could also be because of certain medications that help lower cholesterol levels. While it might seem like a good thing, it's important to have a balanced cholesterol profile, as both very high and low levels can affect your overall health. Low non-HDL cholesterol could be linked to conditions like an overactive thyroid, liver problems, or not getting enough nutrients.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of non-HDL are often not noticeable. However, if caused by an underlying condition such as hyperthyroidism or liver disease, you might experience symptoms related to those conditions, such as unexplained weight loss, increased heart rate, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort.

See References

Test for

non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Lipid Panel Basic by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

The Basic Lipid Panel measures nine lipid markers to analyze a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

Lipid Panel Comprehensive by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

The Comprehensive Lipid Panel measures 15 lipid markers to analyze a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease. Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

LPP Plus by SpectraCell Laboratories

Serum

Lipoprotein particles are responsible for key steps in plaque formation and the development of cardiovascular disease. The LPP Plus test measures 12 lipoprotein particle markers to determine cardiovascular disease risk. This test is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.

CardioMetabolic Profile by Doctor's Data

Serum

The CardioMetabolic Profile evaluates risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic factors associated with metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.

LipoMap by Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

The LipoMap is a 33-part lipid test that provides a comprehensive map of lipoprotein particles for clinical use. This test is performed by a high-resolution 600 MHz NMR instrument, allowing for more specific lipid, apolipoprotein, and lipoprotein particle measurements.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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