What is Non-HDL?
Non-HDL includes all the cholesterol-carrying particles in your blood that can deposit cholesterol in tissues and artery walls instead of helping remove it. It includes:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
- Intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL)
- Lipoprotein(a)
Triglycerides themselves are not lipoproteins, but they are carried within VLDL particles that contribute to non-HDL cholesterol.
If your non-HDL cholesterol is within a normal range, it means the body is effectively clearing away an excess buildup of harmful cholesterol.
Why Does Non-HDL Matter?
- Captures the total burden of harmful cholesterol in your blood
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How to Interpret Non-HDL
(Ranges may vary slightly by lab)
Standard reference ranges represent the middle 95% of healthy individuals but don’t necessarily reflect levels associated with longevity. Optimal ranges are derived from clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and real-world outcomes data, with an emphasis on levels associated with peak functioning and reduced disease risk.
Benefits of Optimizing Non-HDL
- Reduced burden of artery-clogging lipoproteins
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Better arterial function
- Lower risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke
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Low Non-HDL Levels
Lower non-HDL cholesterol is generally better, and monitoring it over time is a reliable way to track how your cardiovascular health is trending.
High Non-HDL Levels
Elevated non-HDL levels signal that more cholesterol is being deposited than your body can efficiently clear.
Symptoms:
- Typically none
Causes:
- A diet high in saturated/trans fats
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High alcohol consumption
- Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
- Genetics
Healthspan Impacts:
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Higher cardiovascular and all-cause mortality1
How Hone Treats Out of Range Non-HDL
Hone takes a proactive approach to heart health by identifying cardiovascular risk early through comprehensive biomarker testing. Non-HDL cholesterol is evaluated alongside ApoB, triglycerides, inflammatory markers, and metabolic health indicators to capture the full burden of atherogenic particles and provide a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk. Treatment focuses on reducing non-HDL cholesterol to lower your overall heart disease risk.
- Statins (e.g. Rosuvastatin)* – to reduce LDL and non-HDL cholesterol
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors (e.g. Ezetimibe)* – to reduce LDL and non-HDL cholesterol
- GLP-1 receptor agonists — to lower triglycerides and ApoB
- Metformin – to reduce triglycerides and ApoB in people with diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance
- Estradiol — in women experiencing menopause symptoms, to lower non-HDL cholesterol
- Fibrates* – to reduce triglycerides and VLDL
- PCSK9 inhibitors* – to significantly reduce LDL and ApoB
*Your Hone Physician does not prescribe these treatments but will recommend further evaluation and help coordinate care with your primary care provider when medical treatment is indicated.
- Bergamot
- Coenzyme Q10 + Geranylgeraniol (GGOH)2
- Omega-3 fatty acids3
- Limit intake of saturated fat, trans fats, added sugar, and foods high in salt
- Consume more unsaturated fats or foods high in fiber, such as beans, avocado, nuts, and olive oil
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
Fu, Z., Zhang, W., & Li, S. (2025). Non-HDL-C and age-stratified mortality risk in the US general population: a population-based cohort study. Frontiers in nutrition.
↑Liu, Z., et al. (2022). Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism.
↑Wang, T., et al. (2023). Association Between Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Dyslipidemia: A Continuous Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of the American Heart Association.
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Reviewed for Accuracy by Our Medical Review Board
This biomarker information has been reviewed by a member of Hone’s medical review board. As part of the medical review team, physicians fact-check this content against the latest research and their own experience treating their patients.
Ashley Winter, M.D., is a board-certified urogynecologist trained at Weill Cornell and Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in female and male sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, genital pain, and hormone therapy.
James Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.
