Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular disease
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
1Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA. vbittner@uab.edu
Insights
Non-High-Density Lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk. While its correlates and prognostic utility are established, the impact of treatment-induced changes on outcomes requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Lipidology
- Preventive Cardiology
Background:
- Non-High-Density Lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol is now a secondary therapeutic target.
- Recent guidelines emphasize its importance in cardiovascular risk management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review correlates of non-HDL cholesterol levels.
- To summarize data on non-HDL cholesterol as a predictor of cardiovascular events.
- To examine the link between treatment-induced changes in non-HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published reports.
- Analysis of data on non-HDL cholesterol correlates.
- Evaluation of prognostic utility studies.
- Assessment of preliminary treatment outcome data.
Main Results:
- Non-HDL cholesterol levels vary by demographics and are linked to adiposity, particularly visceral adiposity.
- Non-HDL cholesterol is a potent predictor of cardiovascular risk across diverse populations.
- Preliminary data suggest treatment-induced changes in non-HDL cholesterol may relate to prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Non-HDL cholesterol is a significant predictor of cardiovascular risk and is prognostic.
- Further research is needed to clarify the impact of pharmacologically induced changes in non-HDL cholesterol on cardiovascular outcomes.
Purpose Of Review:
Non-HDL cholesterol was designated a secondary target of therapy in the recent Adult Treatment Panel III report. This paper reviews correlates of non-HDL cholesterol levels and summarizes the available data on non-HDL cholesterol as a predictor of cardiovascular events as well as data linking treatment-induced changes in non-HDL cholesterol to cardiovascular outcomes.
Recent Findings:
Non-HDL cholesterol levels in the population vary by age, sex, and race and are closely linked to measures of adiposity, especially visceral adiposity. Several reports in populations with and without cardiovascular disease have recently been published that document the prognostic utility of non-HDL cholesterol levels. Preliminary data are also available to suggest that pharmacologically induced changes in non-HDL cholesterol levels relate to prognosis.
Summary:
Non-HDL cholesterol is a potent predictor of cardiovascular risk among a broad range of individuals with and without cardiovascular disease and is prognostic over a wide range of follow-up periods. The impact of pharmacologically induced changes in non-HDL cholesterol on cardiovascular outcomes is less clear and requires further study.
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Atherosclerosis III: Management

