Is non-HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol the same?

Non-HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are the not the same. Non-HDL cholesterol is tested by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, but it is not equal to LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol also includes other lipoproteins.

Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values are used for determining the risk factors for coronary heart disease. However, heart attacks can occur in people who do not have high LDL cholesterol. Studies have shown that non-HDL cholesterol is a better predictor of coronary heart disease than LDL cholesterol, especially in individuals with high triglyceride levels, or people with diabetes who have lower LDL cholesterol levels.