Does this test have other names?
Non-HDL-C, lipid panel
What is this test?
This blood test checks the levels of cholesterol in your body. A lipid panel will show the levels of your:
- total cholesterol
- LDL (bad) cholesterol
- HDL (good) cholesterol
- non-HDL cholesterol
- triglycerides
In general, the higher your total and LDL cholesterol levels, the higher your risk for coronary heart disease. But some heart attacks happen in people who don't have a high LDL level.
Some researchers believe that measuring your non-HDL cholesterol levels gives a better assessment of the risk for heart disease than measuring only LDL. This is especially true if you have high triglycerides. Your non-HDL cholesterol level is found by subtracting your HDL cholesterol from your total cholesterol.
Why do you need this test?
You may need this test to see if you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol is one of the things that can tell you how likely you are to get heart disease, so it's important to know your cholesterol numbers. When your LDL cholesterol level is high and HDL cholesterol is low, you may be at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
What results can you expect?
Results are given in millimoles per litre (mmol/L).
- Total cholesterol should be less than 5.20 mmol/L.
- In general, the normal range for LDL cholesterol is less than 3.50 mmol/L. If you are on treatment to lower your LDL-C levels, your healthcare provider may use different target values.
- The normal ranges for HDL cholesterol for adults are greater than or equal to 1.00 mmol/L for males and greater than or equal to 1.30 mmol/L for females. The higher your HDL level, the better.
- The normal range for non-HDL cholesterol, which is found by subtracting your HDL cholesterol from your total cholesterol, should be less than 4.20 mmol/L.
- Normal levels of triglycerides are less than 1.70 mmol/L.
What other tests might you have along with this test?
If your healthcare provider suspects that you have heart disease, you may also get these tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG). This tests your heart's electrical impulses to see if your heart is beating normally.
- Stress test. This test is done while you have an ECG. You may have to walk or run on a treadmill. Or you will receive a drug that mimics the effects of exercise.
- Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to show how well your heart muscle is working.
- Cardiac catheterization. A thin flexible tube is guided into your blood vessel. Dye is then injected which will show on an X-ray if there are any clogs in the arteries of your heart.
People with a history of artery disease, stroke, kidney disease, or diabetes are also at higher risk for heart disease, so tests may be done to look for these problems, too.
What do your test results mean?
Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.
Although no clear standards exist for non-HDL levels, most medical experts believe that lowering LDL and non-HDL cholesterol at the same time may cut your heart disease risk.
If you have diabetes, smoke, have a family history of heart disease, or have other risk factors, your cholesterol levels may need to be much lower. Talk with your provider about where your cholesterol levels should be.
How is this test done?
The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand.
Does this test pose any risks?
Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling light-headed. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.
What might affect your test results?
Your cholesterol levels can be affected by:
- What you eat.
- How often you exercise.
- What medicines you take.
- Whether you smoke.
How do you get ready for this test?
A lipid test can be done with or without fasting. You may need to fast if your triglycerides are going to be measured. This means you can have nothing but water for about 9 to 12 hours before the test. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter G985 in the search box to learn more about "Lipid Panel With Non-HDL Cholesterol".
