Average Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels 2016

Average non-HDL cholesterol levels indicate heart disease risk and vary across countries.

191 data points••Global Coverage•Average non-HDL cholesterol levels | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
4.2 mg/dL
2
Philippines flag
Philippines
4 mg/dL
3
Thailand flag
Thailand
4 mg/dL
4
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
3.9 mg/dL
5
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
3.8 mg/dL
6
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
3.8 mg/dL
7
Croatia flag
Croatia
3.8 mg/dL
8
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
3.8 mg/dL
9
Fiji flag
Fiji
3.8 mg/dL
10
Guyana flag
Guyana
3.8 mg/dL
11
Honduras flag
Honduras
3.8 mg/dL
12
Latvia flag
Latvia
3.8 mg/dL
13
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
3.8 mg/dL
14
Mexico flag
Mexico
3.8 mg/dL
15
Serbia flag
Serbia
3.8 mg/dL
16
Singapore flag
Singapore
3.8 mg/dL
17
Tonga flag
Tonga
3.8 mg/dL
18
Austria flag
Austria
3.7 mg/dL
19
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
3.7 mg/dL
20
Colombia flag
Colombia
3.7 mg/dL
21
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
3.7 mg/dL
22
France flag
France
3.7 mg/dL
23
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
3.7 mg/dL
24
Malta flag
Malta
3.7 mg/dL
25
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
3.7 mg/dL
26
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
3.7 mg/dL
27
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
3.7 mg/dL
28
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
3.7 mg/dL
29
Panama flag
Panama
3.7 mg/dL
30
Samoa flag
Samoa
3.7 mg/dL
31
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
3.7 mg/dL
32
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
3.7 mg/dL
33
Albania flag
Albania
3.6 mg/dL
34
Andorra flag
Andorra
3.6 mg/dL
35
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
3.6 mg/dL
36
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
3.6 mg/dL
37
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
3.6 mg/dL
38
Estonia flag
Estonia
3.6 mg/dL
39
Hungary flag
Hungary
3.6 mg/dL
40
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
3.6 mg/dL
41
Italy flag
Italy
3.6 mg/dL
42
Jordan flag
Jordan
3.6 mg/dL
43
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
3.6 mg/dL
44
Norway flag
Norway
3.6 mg/dL
45
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
3.6 mg/dL
46
Portugal flag
Portugal
3.6 mg/dL
47
Romania flag
Romania
3.6 mg/dL
48
Russia flag
Russia
3.6 mg/dL
49
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
3.6 mg/dL
50
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
3.6 mg/dL
51
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
3.6 mg/dL
52
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
3.6 mg/dL
53
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
3.6 mg/dL
54
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
3.5 mg/dL
55
Argentina flag
Argentina
3.5 mg/dL
56
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
3.5 mg/dL
57
Dominica flag
Dominica
3.5 mg/dL
58
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
3.5 mg/dL
59
Finland flag
Finland
3.5 mg/dL
60
Germany flag
Germany
3.5 mg/dL
61
Greece flag
Greece
3.5 mg/dL
62
Grenada flag
Grenada
3.5 mg/dL
63
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
3.5 mg/dL
64
Haiti flag
Haiti
3.5 mg/dL
65
Iraq flag
Iraq
3.5 mg/dL
66
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
3.5 mg/dL
67
Maldives flag
Maldives
3.5 mg/dL
68
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
3.5 mg/dL
69
Oman flag
Oman
3.5 mg/dL
70
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
3.5 mg/dL
71
Poland flag
Poland
3.5 mg/dL
72
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
3.5 mg/dL
73
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
3.5 mg/dL
74
South Korea flag
South Korea
3.5 mg/dL
75
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
3.5 mg/dL
76
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
3.5 mg/dL
77
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
3.5 mg/dL
78
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
3.5 mg/dL
79
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
3.5 mg/dL
80
Algeria flag
Algeria
3.4 mg/dL
81
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
3.4 mg/dL
82
Belize flag
Belize
3.4 mg/dL
83
Brazil flag
Brazil
3.4 mg/dL
84
Chile flag
Chile
3.4 mg/dL
85
Egypt flag
Egypt
3.4 mg/dL
86
Israel flag
Israel
3.4 mg/dL
87
Japan flag
Japan
3.4 mg/dL
88
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
3.4 mg/dL
89
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
3.4 mg/dL
90
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
3.4 mg/dL
91
Niue flag
Niue
3.4 mg/dL
92
North Korea flag
North Korea
3.4 mg/dL
93
Peru flag
Peru
3.4 mg/dL
94
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
3.4 mg/dL
95
Spain flag
Spain
3.4 mg/dL
96
Sweden flag
Sweden
3.4 mg/dL
97
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
3.4 mg/dL
98
Turkey flag
Turkey
3.4 mg/dL
99
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
3.4 mg/dL
100
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
3.4 mg/dL
101
Yemen flag
Yemen
3.4 mg/dL
102
Australia flag
Australia
3.3 mg/dL
103
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
3.3 mg/dL
104
Barbados flag
Barbados
3.3 mg/dL
105
Belarus flag
Belarus
3.3 mg/dL
106
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
3.3 mg/dL
107
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
3.3 mg/dL
108
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
3.3 mg/dL
109
Canada flag
Canada
3.3 mg/dL
110
China flag
China
3.3 mg/dL
111
Cuba flag
Cuba
3.3 mg/dL
112
Denmark flag
Denmark
3.3 mg/dL
113
Ghana flag
Ghana
3.3 mg/dL
114
Iran flag
Iran
3.3 mg/dL
115
Ireland flag
Ireland
3.3 mg/dL
116
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
3.3 mg/dL
117
Laos flag
Laos
3.3 mg/dL
118
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
3.3 mg/dL
119
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
3.3 mg/dL
120
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
3.3 mg/dL
121
Palau flag
Palau
3.3 mg/dL
122
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
3.3 mg/dL
123
Suriname flag
Suriname
3.3 mg/dL
124
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
3.3 mg/dL
125
United States flag
United States
3.3 mg/dL
126
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
3.3 mg/dL
127
Armenia flag
Armenia
3.2 mg/dL
128
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
3.2 mg/dL
129
Iceland flag
Iceland
3.2 mg/dL
130
India flag
India
3.2 mg/dL
131
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
3.2 mg/dL
132
Nauru flag
Nauru
3.2 mg/dL
133
Nepal flag
Nepal
3.2 mg/dL
134
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
3.2 mg/dL
135
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
3.2 mg/dL
136
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
3.2 mg/dL
137
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
3.1 mg/dL
138
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
3.1 mg/dL
139
Belgium flag
Belgium
3.1 mg/dL
140
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
3.1 mg/dL
141
Georgia flag
Georgia
3.1 mg/dL
142
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
3.1 mg/dL
143
Libya flag
Libya
3.1 mg/dL
144
Qatar flag
Qatar
3.1 mg/dL
145
Somalia flag
Somalia
3.1 mg/dL
146
South Africa flag
South Africa
3.1 mg/dL
147
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
3.1 mg/dL
148
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
3 mg/dL
149
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
3 mg/dL
150
Sudan flag
Sudan
3 mg/dL
151
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
3 mg/dL
152
Benin flag
Benin
2.9 mg/dL
153
Comoros flag
Comoros
2.9 mg/dL
154
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
2.9 mg/dL
155
Gabon flag
Gabon
2.9 mg/dL
156
Gambia flag
Gambia
2.9 mg/dL
157
Guinea flag
Guinea
2.9 mg/dL
158
Morocco flag
Morocco
2.9 mg/dL
159
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
2.9 mg/dL
160
Zimbabwe flag
Zimbabwe
2.9 mg/dL
161
Angola flag
Angola
2.8 mg/dL
162
Burundi flag
Burundi
2.8 mg/dL
163
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
2.8 mg/dL
164
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
2.8 mg/dL
165
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
2.8 mg/dL
166
Chad flag
Chad
2.8 mg/dL
167
Congo flag
Congo
2.8 mg/dL
168
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
2.8 mg/dL
169
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
2.8 mg/dL
170
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
2.8 mg/dL
171
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
2.8 mg/dL
172
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
2.8 mg/dL
173
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
2.8 mg/dL
174
Kenya flag
Kenya
2.8 mg/dL
175
Liberia flag
Liberia
2.8 mg/dL
176
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
2.8 mg/dL
177
Mali flag
Mali
2.8 mg/dL
178
Namibia flag
Namibia
2.8 mg/dL
179
Niger flag
Niger
2.8 mg/dL
180
Senegal flag
Senegal
2.8 mg/dL
181
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
2.8 mg/dL
182
Togo flag
Togo
2.8 mg/dL
183
Uganda flag
Uganda
2.8 mg/dL
184
Botswana flag
Botswana
2.7 mg/dL
185
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
2.7 mg/dL
186
Zambia flag
Zambia
2.7 mg/dL
187
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
2.6 mg/dL
188
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
2.6 mg/dL
189
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
2.5 mg/dL
190
Malawi flag
Malawi
2.5 mg/dL
191
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
2.5 mg/dL

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Malaysia flagMalaysia
  2. #2Philippines flagPhilippines
  3. #3Thailand flagThailand
  4. #4Lebanon flagLebanon
  5. #5Brunei Darussalam flagBrunei Darussalam
  6. #6Costa Rica flagCosta Rica
  7. #7Croatia flagCroatia
  8. #8Ecuador flagEcuador
  9. #9Fiji flagFiji
  10. #10Guyana flagGuyana

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #191Rwanda flagRwanda
  2. #190Malawi flagMalawi
  3. #189Lesotho flagLesotho
  4. #188Nigeria flagNigeria
  5. #187Burkina Faso flagBurkina Faso
  6. #186Zambia flagZambia
  7. #185Sao Tome and Principe flagSao Tome and Principe
  8. #184Botswana flagBotswana
  9. #183Uganda flagUganda
  10. #182Togo flagTogo

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2016, Malaysia recorded the highest Average Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels worldwide with a level of 4.20 mg/dL, while the global range spanned from 2.50 mg/dL to 4.20 mg/dL. The worldwide average level was 3.32 mg/dL, providing a benchmark for assessing cardiovascular health risks across different nations.

Regional Patterns in Cholesterol Levels

The data reveals significant regional variations in non-HDL cholesterol levels, with Asia and the Pacific Islands showing higher averages. Countries such as Malaysia (4.2 mg/dL), the Philippines (4 mg/dL), and Thailand (4 mg/dL) are among the highest, indicating potential dietary and lifestyle factors contributing to elevated cholesterol levels. In contrast, African nations like Malawi, Lesotho, and Rwanda recorded the lowest levels at 2.50 mg/dL, possibly due to different dietary habits and lower urbanization rates.

Economic and Lifestyle Influences

Economic development and lifestyle choices often correlate with cholesterol levels. In rapidly urbanizing regions such as Brunei Darussalam (3.8 mg/dL) and Singapore (3.8 mg/dL), increased access to processed foods and sedentary lifestyles might contribute to higher cholesterol levels. Conversely, countries like Nigeria (2.6 mg/dL), despite being Africa's largest economy, maintain lower levels, likely due to traditional diets and less access to high-cholesterol food options.

Year-over-Year Changes and Trends

Analyzing the year-over-year changes provides insights into shifting health trends. The Philippines and Indonesia both saw an increase of 0.10 mg/dL, reflecting a rise in cholesterol-related health risks possibly due to changing diets and increased urbanization. Meanwhile, countries like Jordan and Hungary experienced a decrease of 0.10 mg/dL, potentially due to public health campaigns targeting cholesterol reduction and lifestyle improvements.

Health Implications and Policy Considerations

The significant disparities in non-HDL cholesterol levels across countries underscore the need for targeted health policies. Nations with higher levels, such as Lebanon (3.9 mg/dL) and Fiji (3.8 mg/dL), might benefit from interventions promoting heart-healthy diets and active lifestyles. In contrast, countries with lower levels, like Burkina Faso (2.6 mg/dL), could focus on maintaining current dietary patterns while addressing other health challenges. Policymakers must consider these variations to effectively allocate resources and design programs tailored to specific national needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Average Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels in 2016

Which country had the highest average non-HDL cholesterol level in 2016?

Malaysia had the highest average non-HDL cholesterol level in 2016 with 4.2 mg/dL.

Which country had the lowest average non-HDL cholesterol level in 2016?

Malawi had the lowest average non-HDL cholesterol level in 2016 with 2.5 mg/dL.

What was the average non-HDL cholesterol level across all countries in 2016?

The average non-HDL cholesterol level across all countries in 2016 was 3.32 mg/dL.

What was the median non-HDL cholesterol level among countries in 2016?

The median non-HDL cholesterol level among countries in 2016 was 3.4 mg/dL.

How many countries were included in the dataset for average non-HDL cholesterol levels in 2016?

The dataset included 191 countries for average non-HDL cholesterol levels in 2016.

Which countries were in the top 10 for highest average non-HDL cholesterol levels in 2016?

The top 10 countries for highest average non-HDL cholesterol levels in 2016 were Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Lebanon, Fiji, Latvia, Tonga, Brunei Darussalam, Croatia, and Singapore.

Insights by country

1

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranked #170 globally in 2016 for Average Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels, with a value of 2.8 mg/dL. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating potential health implications for the population. Contributing factors include Ethiopia's predominantly plant-based diet and limited access to processed foods, which may influence cholesterol levels positively compared to countries with higher consumption of animal fats.

2

India

In 2016, India ranked #129 globally with an average Non-HDL Cholesterol Level of 3.2 mg/dL. This level is notably lower than many countries, reflecting a broader trend of dietary habits and lifestyle factors within the region. Contributing factors include the prevalence of vegetarian diets in many Indian communities and a growing awareness of health issues, though urbanization and changing food patterns are beginning to influence cholesterol levels.

3

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic ranked #38 globally with an average Non-HDL Cholesterol Level of 3.6 mg/dL in 2016. This level is relatively favorable compared to many Latin American countries, reflecting a growing awareness of cardiovascular health. Contributing factors include increased access to healthcare and nutritional education, alongside a diet that traditionally emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, though lifestyle changes are still needed to further reduce cholesterol levels.

4

Bulgaria

Bulgaria achieved a global rank of #19 for Average Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels in 2016, with a value of 3.7 mg/dL. This level is notably lower than the global average, indicating a healthier lipid profile compared to many countries. Contributing factors include Bulgaria's traditional diet, which emphasizes fresh vegetables and lower saturated fat intake, alongside a growing public awareness of health issues.

5

Cyprus

In 2016, Cyprus ranked #36 globally with an average Non-HDL Cholesterol level of 3.6 mg/dL. This figure is relatively low compared to countries with higher cholesterol levels, indicating a healthier lipid profile among its population. Contributing factors include Cyprus's Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, alongside increasing public health initiatives aimed at reducing cardiovascular risks.

6

Germany

In 2016, Germany ranked #60 globally for Average Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels, with a value of 3.5 mg/dL. This figure is relatively low compared to countries like Japan, which consistently rank higher in cholesterol health metrics. Contributing factors to Germany's cholesterol levels include its robust healthcare system, which emphasizes preventive care, and a diet that, while rich in meats and dairy, increasingly incorporates health-conscious choices.

7

Turkmenistan

In 2016, Turkmenistan ranked #124 globally with an average Non-HDL Cholesterol level of 3.3 mg/dL. This level is relatively lower compared to many countries, indicating potential dietary factors influencing cholesterol levels. The nation’s economic reliance on natural gas exports has shaped its healthcare policies, which may affect public awareness and management of cardiovascular health.

8

Estonia

In 2016, Estonia ranked #39 globally with an average Non-HDL Cholesterol Level of 3.6 mg/dL. This figure is relatively lower than many Western European countries, reflecting a healthier lipid profile among its population. Contributing factors include Estonia's emphasis on public health initiatives and a growing awareness of nutrition, following its transition to a market economy which has improved access to healthier food options.

9

Ecuador

Ecuador achieved a global rank of #8 for Average Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels in 2016, with a value of 3.8 mg/dL. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a healthier cholesterol profile compared to many other nations.

Factors contributing to this statistic include Ecuador's diverse diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as government initiatives aimed at promoting public health and nutrition. Additionally, the country's climate facilitates the cultivation of various crops that support a balanced diet.

10

Argentina

In 2016, Argentina ranked #55 globally with an average non-HDL cholesterol level of 3.5 mg/dL. This level is notably lower than the highest-ranked country, which reflects a healthier lipid profile. Contributing factors include Argentina's diverse diet that emphasizes fresh produce and lean meats, along with a growing awareness of cardiovascular health among its population.

Data Source

Average non-HDL cholesterol levels | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive global data on various topics, including health, economics, and environment. The dataset on average non-HDL cholesterol levels offers country-level statistics to help understand trends and disparities in cardiovascular health.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Average Non-HDL Cholesterol Levels data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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