1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol to your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. It's used as an indicator of cardiovascular health 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 — Measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L)
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L)

Explanation: The ratio provides a simple way to assess cardiovascular risk by comparing your "bad" cholesterol (represented in total cholesterol) to your "good" cholesterol (HDL).

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: Healthcare providers use cholesterol ratio as one indicator of heart disease risk. A higher ratio suggests a higher risk of developing heart disease, while a lower ratio indicates better cardiovascular health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both total cholesterol and HDL values in mmol/L units (Canadian standard). 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 optimal being 3.5:1 or lower. Higher ratios indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

Q2: Why use mmol/L instead of mg/dL?
A: Canada uses the metric system and mmol/L units for cholesterol measurements, unlike the United States which typically uses mg/dL.

Q3: How often should I check my cholesterol ratio?
A: Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Q4: Can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and if necessary, medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Q5: Is cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. Healthcare providers consider your ratio along with individual cholesterol numbers and other risk factors to assess your overall cardiovascular health.