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VLDL

General

Very Low-Density Lipoprotein

The lipoprotein that primarily carries triglycerides through the bloodstream, typically estimated as triglycerides divided by 5 rather than measured directly.

Definition

VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) is the lipoprotein responsible for transporting triglycerides through the bloodstream. Unlike LDL and HDL, which are typically measured directly on a lipid panel, VLDL is almost always estimated using a simple formula based on triglycerides.

While VLDL receives less attention than LDL or HDL, an elevated VLDL value — driven by high triglycerides — is still a meaningful cardiovascular risk factor. The VLDL Calculator estimates it from your triglyceride value.

Formula

VLDL = Triglycerides ÷ 5

Worked Example

With a triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL:

VLDL = 150 ÷ 5 = 30 mg/dL

This falls at the upper edge of the commonly cited normal range.

Key Things to Know

  • Directly tied to triglycerides: unlike LDL and HDL, VLDL isn't independently measured — it's a derived value.
  • Estimate is less reliable at very high triglycerides: the triglycerides ÷ 5 approximation works best within typical ranges.
  • Part of the metabolic syndrome picture: elevated triglycerides (and therefore VLDL) is one of the five criteria checked in a metabolic syndrome assessment.
  • Consider alongside the full lipid panel: VLDL alone doesn't tell the complete story — check it alongside LDL, HDL, and the cholesterol ratio.

Related Calculators

VLDL Calculator →Estimate VLDL cholesterol from triglycerides using the Friedewald-derived formula, with a normal/borderline/high category and the 400 mg/dL caveat noted.
LDL Calculator →Calculate LDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides using the Friedewald formula, with a risk category and the high-triglyceride caveat noted.
Cholesterol Ratio Calculator →Calculate your total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio, LDL/HDL ratio, and non-HDL cholesterol from a standard lipid panel, with AHA-based cardiovascular risk context.

Related Terms

LDLLow-Density LipoproteinHDLHigh-Density Lipoprotein

Frequently Asked Questions

VLDL is a minor component compared to LDL and HDL on most standard panels, so it's typically estimated as triglycerides divided by 5 rather than measured directly, since this estimate is reliable enough for most clinical purposes.
A VLDL level under 30 mg/dL is generally considered normal, though this is directly derived from triglycerides, so the relevant reference range often depends on your triglyceride result specifically.
Yes — since VLDL is driven by triglycerides rather than total cholesterol, it's possible to have normal total cholesterol alongside elevated triglycerides and therefore elevated VLDL.
Elevated VLDL, driven by high triglycerides, is a meaningful cardiovascular risk factor, particularly when combined with other markers like low HDL or when assessing [metabolic syndrome](/glossary/metabolic-syndrome/) criteria.
VLDL primarily carries triglycerides, while [LDL](/glossary/ldl/) primarily carries cholesterol and is the main driver of arterial plaque risk — VLDL is a secondary but still meaningful risk factor.