what is non hdl cholesterol, Non-HDL cholesterol, short for non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a crucial indicator of heart health. It encompasses all cholesterol in the bloodstream except for HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as the "good" cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol includes LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and other harmful lipoproteins. Monitoring non-HDL cholesterol levels is valuable because it provides a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk compared to LDL cholesterol alone. To calculate non-HDL cholesterol, subtract HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol. Elevated non-HDL cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and require management through lifestyle changes and medication.