Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the most important chronic noncontagious diseases that does harm to human health. Although lots of previous studies have reported that fasting lipid profiles are closely related to the occurrence and prognosis of ASCVD, fasting lipid test has some limitations in clinical practice. In recent years, evidence shows that non-fasting lipid profiles also play an important role in the occurrence and prognosis of ASCVD. Compared to fasting lipid test, non-fasting lipid test can reflect the blood lipid levels of human body at most of the time, more rapidly and conveniently. Therefore, this article reviews the definition, relative merits and scope of application of non-fasting lipid profiles, research progress of the relationship between the profiles and the occurrence and prognosis of ASCVD, and possible mechanism for atherosclerosis, in order to provide guidance in clinical practice.