Library
/
Heart & Vascular Health
/
Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB) Testing

Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB) Testing

January 21, 2026
Subscribe for updates
By clicking “Subscribe” you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
Your content is on its way!
By clicking “Subscribe” you agree to our TOS and Privacy Policy.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Do I need a Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB) test?

Worried about your heart health or family history of cardiovascular disease? Could hidden cholesterol particles be putting you at risk, even if your standard cholesterol numbers look normal?

Non-HDL-C and ApoB measure all the cholesterol-carrying particles that can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease. These markers often reveal risk that traditional cholesterol tests miss.

Testing your Non-HDL-C and ApoB gives you a precise snapshot of your true cardiovascular risk, empowering you to personalize your nutrition, exercise, and treatment plan. It's the essential first step to protecting your heart and gaining peace of mind about your future.

Book your test now
With Superpower, you have access to a comprehensive range of biomarker tests
Book a Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB) Testing Test
Physician reviewed
CLIA-certified labs
HIPAA compliant

Get tested with Superpower

If you’ve been postponing blood testing for years or feel frustrated by doctor appointments and limited lab panels, you are not alone. Standard healthcare is often reactive, focusing on testing only after symptoms appear or leaving patients in the dark.

Superpower flips that approach. We give you full insight into your body with over 100 biomarkers, personalized action plans, long-term tracking, and answers to your questions, so you can stay ahead of any health issues.

With physician-reviewed results, CLIA-certified labs, and the option for at-home blood draws, Superpower is designed for people who want clarity, convenience, and real accountability - all in one place.

Key benefits of Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB) testing

  • Measures all cholesterol particles that can clog arteries and cause heart disease.
  • Spots cardiovascular risk more accurately than LDL cholesterol alone in many people.
  • Guides statin therapy decisions and tracks how well treatment is working.
  • Flags hidden risk in people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or high triglycerides.
  • Clarifies heart disease risk when LDL results don't match your clinical picture.
  • Protects long-term heart health by identifying early arterial plaque buildup risk.
  • Best interpreted alongside lipid panel, fasting glucose, and cardiovascular risk factors.

What is Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB)?

Non-HDL cholesterol is a calculated measure that captures all the cholesterol carried by potentially harmful particles in your blood. It's simply your total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol (the "good" kind). This number reflects cholesterol packaged inside lipoproteins that can deposit fat into artery walls, including LDL, VLDL, and remnants.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the structural protein embedded in each of these atherogenic particles. Every LDL, VLDL, and remnant particle contains exactly one ApoB molecule, making it a direct particle count. Together, non-HDL-C and ApoB tell complementary stories about cardiovascular risk: non-HDL-C measures the cholesterol cargo, while ApoB counts the delivery vehicles.

Why two markers matter more than one

Non-HDL-C is convenient and widely available, but ApoB reveals particle number with precision. Some people have small, cholesterol-light particles that non-HDL-C underestimates.

The cholesterol cargo versus the delivery fleet

Think of non-HDL-C as total freight weight and ApoB as the number of trucks. More trucks mean more opportunities for arterial damage, even if each carries less cargo.

Why is Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB) important?

Non-HDL cholesterol captures all the cholesterol carried by particles that can infiltrate artery walls and drive plaque formation. Apolipoprotein B counts each of those atherogenic particles directly. Together, they offer a sharper window into cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol alone, especially when triglycerides are elevated or metabolic conditions cloud the picture.

Every particle tells a story

Lower values reflect fewer atherogenic particles circulating in your bloodstream, which translates to less opportunity for cholesterol to embed in vessel walls. Optimal non-HDL cholesterol typically sits below 130 mg/dL, and apoB below 90 mg/dL, though targets shift based on existing heart disease or diabetes. When these markers fall into favorable ranges, arterial aging slows and long-term cardiovascular events become less likely.

When the numbers climb

Elevated non-HDL or apoB signals an abundance of cholesterol-carrying particles primed to penetrate and inflame artery linings. Over time, this silent process thickens vessel walls, narrows blood flow, and sets the stage for heart attack or stroke. High values often accompany insulin resistance, obesity, or familial lipid disorders, and they predict risk even when standard LDL looks acceptable.

The vascular endgame

These markers integrate lipid transport, inflammation, and metabolic health into a single readout. Tracking them over years reveals how diet, weight, hormones, and genetics shape arterial destiny, making them essential guides for preventing the leading cause of death worldwide.

What do my Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB) results mean?

Low values

Low values usually reflect a reduced number of circulating apolipoprotein B-containing particles, which carry cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver and intestine into the bloodstream. This can occur with malabsorption syndromes, severe liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or genetic conditions affecting lipoprotein assembly. Very low levels may signal impaired fat transport or nutrient absorption, though isolated low values are rarely a clinical concern in otherwise healthy individuals.

Optimal values

Being in range suggests a balanced production and clearance of atherogenic lipoproteins. For cardiovascular risk assessment, optimal tends to sit toward the lower end of the reference range. Non-HDL-C below 130 mg/dL or ApoB below 90 mg/dL is generally associated with lower long-term risk of atherosclerotic disease. ApoB provides a direct particle count and may be more informative than Non-HDL-C when triglycerides are elevated or lipid profiles are discordant.

High values

High values usually reflect an increased number of cholesterol-carrying particles in circulation, driven by overproduction, reduced clearance, or both. This elevates the risk of cholesterol deposition in arterial walls and progression of atherosclerosis. Causes include insulin resistance, obesity, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, and familial hypercholesterolemia. Women during pregnancy and individuals on certain medications may also show elevated levels.

Notes

Interpretation depends on fasting status, concurrent illness, and medication use. ApoB is less affected by triglyceride levels than Non-HDL-C and may be preferred in metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

Method: Derived from FDA-cleared laboratory results. This ratio/index is not an FDA-cleared test. It aids clinician-directed risk assessment and monitoring and is not a stand-alone diagnosis. Inputs: Non-HDL-C, ApoB.

Subscribe for updates
By clicking “Subscribe” you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
Your content is on its way!
By clicking “Subscribe” you agree to our TOS and Privacy Policy.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Similar biomarker tests from Superpower

See more biomarkers

Frequently Asked Questions

Read more
How it works
What should I expect during a blood draw?
  • A trained phlebotomist will guide you through the process.
  • A tourniquet is placed on your arm, the site is cleaned, and a small needle is used to collect blood into one or more tubes.
  • Results are usually ready in about a week.
  • Most people feel only a quick pinch.
  • The needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied, and a bandage is placed.
How do I prepare for a blood draw?
  • Drink plenty of water beforehand — hydration makes veins easier to find.
  • Wear loose sleeves so your arm is easy to access.
  • Follow any fasting instructions you’ve been given.
  • Let us know if you’re on medications, have fainted before, or have needle anxiety.
What should I do after my blood draw?
  • Press gently on the site for a few minutes.
  • Keep the bandage on for 4-6 hours.
  • Skip heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
  • Drink extra water to rehydrate.
  • Monitor the site for redness, swelling, or pain.
How do I book a blood draw with Superpower?

Your membership includes:

  • An annual full body test and report across 100+ biomarkers
  • A personalized action plan to optimize your biomarkers and reach your health goals
  • A dashboard to centralize your health data and track changes across a lifetime
  • Access to a health concierge for questions on your plan and help scheduling
  • Plus a marketplace of curated health products and services cheaper than amazon

Many concierge clinics charge $10k – $100k for their services, we’ve built technology to make the world’s best healthcare as accessible as possible via an all-in-one membership.

Where can I take my blood test?

Superpower is currently available in the following US states:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
Our testing
Does Superpower replace my primary care provider?

Superpower specializes in prevention-based testing and treatments and is not intended for emergency or immediate health issues.

While you will have a Superpower care team, your annual membership is designed to complement a primary care doctor if you have one, not replace them.

We are happy to help you share any test results with an outside provider to ensure you receive well-rounded medical care.

How fast are blood test results and how do I read them?

Your annual lab test panel takes about a week to process. We will text you as soon as they become available in your dashboard. Other types of tests may have different testing windows. The Superpower concierge is your own health assistant who helps answer your questions on your results, ensure smooth scheduling, coordination of any office-based tests, specialist referrals as needed, and navigating you to interface with your care team.

Does Superpower accept health insurance?

Superpower membership and products are all eligible for HSA/FSA funding.

We see Superpower like a gym membership for those committed to prevention and performance. Superpower is a bridge between wellness and healthcare. Health insurance traditionally focuses on reactive care whereas, at Superpower, we believe it’s never too early to start looking out for your long-term health.

What if I want more than 1 blood test per year?

Absolutely — you're not limited to just one. Your membership includes one comprehensive 100+ biomarker blood test each year, but if you'd like to track your progress more closely, you can add extra tests at any time. Each additional full-panel test costs $179. You can order as many as you'd like throughout the year.

“Best health check of my entire life.”

Vinay Hiremath, Founder of Loom

“Life changing”

Jordi Hayes, Founder of Capital.xyz

Frequently Asked Questions about Non-HDL Cholesterol / Apolipoprotein B (Non-HDL-C / ApoB) Testing

What is Non-HDL cholesterol and how is it calculated from a standard lipid panel?

Non-HDL cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) is calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol. This single number captures the cholesterol carried by all “atherogenic” particles that can enter artery walls - LDL, VLDL, and remnant lipoproteins. Because it includes triglyceride-rich particles, Non-HDL-C often reflects cardiovascular risk more completely than LDL alone, especially when triglycerides are elevated. It’s typically interpreted alongside a full lipid panel and cardiovascular history.

What is apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and why do doctors say it “counts particles”?

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a structural protein on the surface of atherogenic lipoproteins. Each atherogenic particle (like LDL, VLDL, and remnants) has exactly one ApoB molecule, so measuring ApoB effectively counts the number of cholesterol-carrying particles in the blood. This matters because cardiovascular risk is often driven by particle number, not just how much cholesterol those particles contain, making ApoB a precise marker of atherogenic burden.

How do Non-HDL-C and ApoB differ from LDL cholesterol for heart disease risk assessment?

LDL cholesterol estimates cholesterol content within LDL particles, but it can miss risk when other atherogenic particles are high. Non-HDL-C includes LDL plus VLDL and remnant cholesterol, capturing more artery-clogging cholesterol overall. ApoB goes a step further by quantifying the number of atherogenic particles directly. Together, Non-HDL-C and ApoB can flag cardiovascular risk more accurately than LDL alone, particularly in people with high triglycerides, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome.

Why does ApoB sometimes show high cardiovascular risk even when LDL looks normal?

LDL can look “normal” when particles carry less cholesterol per particle, yet the body may still have many atherogenic particles circulating. In that situation, Non-HDL-C may underestimate risk, but ApoB reveals the true particle burden because it counts particles directly. Many small, cholesterol-light particles can still penetrate artery walls and drive plaque formation over time. This is why ApoB can clarify “hidden risk” when standard LDL results seem reassuring.

What are considered optimal or concerning Non-HDL-C and ApoB levels?

From the provided context, values well below population averages - Non-HDL-C under 100 mg/dL or ApoB under 65 mg/dL - suggest fewer atherogenic particles and lower long-term plaque risk. Higher values raise concern: Non-HDL-C above 160 mg/dL or ApoB over 100 mg/dL indicates more particles available to deposit cholesterol into arteries, increasing risk for atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke over time. Targets should be interpreted with your lipid panel and personal risk history.

How do Non-HDL-C and ApoB help guide statin therapy and track treatment response?

Non-HDL-C and ApoB are useful for decisions about starting or intensifying statin therapy because they reflect the total atherogenic lipoprotein burden linked to plaque formation. During treatment, falling Non-HDL-C and ApoB generally indicate fewer artery-clogging particles circulating, suggesting therapy is working. They can be especially helpful when LDL alone doesn’t match overall risk (for example, with elevated triglycerides). Clinicians often track these markers alongside the lipid panel and metabolic markers.

How do diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or high triglycerides affect Non-HDL-C and ApoB interpretation?

Diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and high triglycerides often increase triglyceride-rich particles (like VLDL and remnants), which contribute to atherosclerosis. Non-HDL-C captures these particles better than LDL alone, and ApoB directly measures the total atherogenic particle number. In these metabolic states, LDL may not fully reflect risk, so Non-HDL-C and ApoB can “spot hidden risk” and provide a clearer cardiovascular risk picture. They also link lipid metabolism to inflammation and liver fat.

Do I need to fast for Non-HDL cholesterol or ApoB testing?

In this context, Non-HDL-C is calculated from total cholesterol and HDL, and fasting is noted as important for accuracy. ApoB is directly measured and is often non-fasting, providing more precise particle quantification even when triglycerides vary. Because results can be influenced by metabolic factors and timing, these tests are best interpreted alongside a lipid panel and other labs such as fasting glucose, plus your personal cardiovascular history.

What are common causes of high Non-HDL-C or ApoB results?

High Non-HDL-C or ApoB usually reflects increased production of atherogenic lipoproteins by the liver, impaired clearance, or both. Common contributors include insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, familial hyperlipidemia, hypothyroidism, and diets high in saturated fats or refined carbohydrates. Chronic inflammation and certain liver-related metabolic changes can also shift particle production and clearance. Persistently elevated levels increase the likelihood of plaque buildup, arterial narrowing, and cardiovascular events over time.

Why might my Non-HDL-C or ApoB levels change during pregnancy, illness, or with medications?

Pregnancy typically raises Non-HDL-C and ApoB in the second and third trimesters. Acute illness and inflammation can temporarily alter lipid-related markers, and certain medications may shift levels as well. These short-term changes can complicate interpretation, which is why results are best reviewed in context - alongside a lipid panel, fasting glucose, and your personal cardiovascular history - rather than viewed as a single standalone number. If values are unexpectedly high or low, repeat testing may be useful once conditions stabilize.

Finally, healthcare that looks at the whole you