What should you know about high non-HDL cholesterol?

Non-HDL cholesterol is total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. It brings together cholesterol carried in LDL and other particles, including those linked with raised triglycerides. High levels often have no noticeable symptoms, so the result is found through a blood test rather than by how you feel.

Your target is not identical for everyone. It depends on age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, kidney disease, family history and whether you have had conditions such as angina, stroke or peripheral arterial disease. One result should therefore be read with the complete lipid profile and medical history.

Review the result with a clinician and ask whether a repeat lipid profile or checks for diabetes, thyroid problems, liver disease or kidney disease are appropriate. Choose more fibre-rich foods, vegetables, pulses, nuts and unsaturated fats, while reducing foods high in saturated fat. Regular activity, avoiding tobacco and managing weight where appropriate can support the plan.

If your risk is high enough, a statin or another medicine may be advised. Take it as directed and report muscle pain, weakness or other new effects instead of stopping it independently. Nutrition counselling can make changes practical for your usual meals.

Arrange routine follow-up for the result. Seek emergency help for crushing or persistent chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, or sudden face or arm weakness, trouble speaking or new vision loss. Those symptoms require urgent assessment and should not wait for a cholesterol appointment.

What target applies to me? What do my LDL, triglycerides and HDL add to the picture? Could another condition or medicine be contributing? Should I consider a statin, and when will we check whether the plan is working?