Peer Reviewed
Perspectives

The new cholesterol target

Ian Hamilton-craig, David Sullivan, Kevin C Maki
Abstract
A new cholesterol target, which is better at predicting risk of cardiovascular events than LDL-cholesterol targets and does not require fasting, has recently been introduced into Australian guidelines for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Key Points
  • The non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C) measurement includes all potentially atherogenic lipoproteins.
  • Non-HDL-C level is calculated by subtracting HDL-cholesterol level from total cholesterol level.
  • The calculation of non-HDL-C does not require measurement of the lipid profile in the fasting state.
  • Non-HDL-C allows for changes in lipoprotein composition, especially with raised triglyceride levels.
  • Several studies have shown that non-HDL-C is superior to LDL-C as a marker of cardiovascular disease risk.
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