OVERVIEW
A non HDL (Cholesterol) Lab test measures the amount of total cholesterol including HDL (good
cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol) present in the blood. This test helps the health care provider
evaluate the risk of coronary heart disease. Non-HDL cholesterol is obtained by subtracting HDL
cholesterol from the total cholesterol.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
The test measures the level of cholesterol in your body.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How is the test performed?
A sample of blood is obtained by inserting a needle into the arm and collecting blood into a needle.
Is there any risk associated with the test?
There is no such risk associated with the test. However, the patient may experience slight pain at the
site of needle insertion.
What levels are dangerous?
Cholesterol blood levels higher than 200 mg/dL may be dangerous.
What are the most common complications?
Associated with the performance of the test, some complications are:
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT
LDL levels are measured in milligrams/deciliter. Following are the levels:
- Optimal: less than 100 mg/dl
- Borderline high: 100-139 mg/dl
- High: 160-189 mg/dl
- Very high: 190 mg/dl and above
Cholesterol levels are the following:
- Optimal: less than 200 mg/dl
- Borderline: 200-239 mg/dl
- High: 240 mg/dl and above
WHY GET TESTED?
This test may be done to check if you have high cholesterol levels. You are more likely to have heart
diseases if you have a high cholesterol level. A high LDL cholesterol level and a low HDL level increase
your probability of stroke and heart diseases.
A non-HDL Cholesterol level is not usually done as part of cholesterol level screening unless you have
one or more of the following factors:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Other risks for heart disease
- High triglycerides level