LDL cholesterol (Friedewald and Sampson)
Calculate LDL cholesterol using the Friedewald and Sampson (NIH) formulas, plus non-HDL cholesterol.
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For information only; not a substitute for medical advice. Data is neither sent nor stored.
Formula
Friedewald: LDL = TC − HDL − TG/2.2 (mmol/L). Sampson (NIH 2020): LDL = TC/0.948 − HDL/0.971 − (TG/8.56 + TG×nonHDL/2140 − TG²/16100) − 9.44 (mg/dL).
Reference ranges
- Low risk: < 3.0 mmol/L
- Moderate risk: < 2.6 mmol/L
- High risk: < 1.8 mmol/L
- Very high risk: < 1.4 mmol/L (ESC/EAS 2019)
Frequently asked questions
- Why two formulas?
- The Friedewald formula underestimates LDL with high triglycerides and low LDL; the Sampson equation is more accurate in those situations.