1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The Cholesterol Ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level. It provides a quick assessment of cardiovascular risk and helps evaluate the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol in your blood.

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 (mmol/L)
• HDL — High-Density Lipoprotein, known as "good cholesterol" (mmol/L)

Explanation: A lower ratio indicates a lower risk of heart disease, while a higher ratio suggests increased cardiovascular risk.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. It helps assess heart disease risk and provides a more comprehensive picture than looking at total cholesterol alone. Healthcare providers use this ratio to guide treatment decisions and lifestyle recommendations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both Total Cholesterol and HDL values in mmol/L. Ensure values are from recent blood tests and are accurate. Both values must be greater than zero for valid 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 around 3.5:1. Lower ratios indicate better cardiovascular health.

Q2: Why use mmol/L instead of mg/dL?
A: mmol/L (millimoles per liter) is the standard unit used in most countries outside the United States for cholesterol measurements.

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 or are on cholesterol medication.

Q4: Can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy diet (reducing saturated fats), maintaining healthy weight, and if needed, cholesterol-lowering medications.

Q5: Is the cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. While the ratio provides valuable information, healthcare providers also consider individual cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) for comprehensive assessment.