1. What is the Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol to your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. It provides a quick assessment of cardiovascular risk, with lower ratios generally indicating better heart health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cholesterol ratio formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — The sum of all cholesterol types in your blood (mg/dL)
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein, often called "good" cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: This simple ratio helps assess cardiovascular risk by comparing your total cholesterol level to your protective HDL cholesterol.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is an important indicator of heart disease risk. A lower ratio (below 5:1) is generally better, while a higher ratio may indicate increased cardiovascular risk, even if total cholesterol appears normal.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy cholesterol ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being around 3.5:1 or lower.

Q2: Is the cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. The ratio provides context about the relationship between your total cholesterol and protective HDL cholesterol.

Q3: How can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: You can improve your ratio by increasing HDL through exercise and healthy fats, or by lowering total cholesterol through diet and medication if needed.

Q4: How often should I check my cholesterol levels?
A: Most adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Q5: Are there limitations to using just the cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, the ratio doesn't account for other important factors like LDL levels, triglycerides, or individual risk factors. It should be interpreted alongside other lipid measurements.