1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol value by your HDL cholesterol level. It's a useful indicator of cardiovascular risk and is commonly used in UK healthcare settings to assess heart disease risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — Measured in mmol/L (UK standard)
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein cholesterol in mmol/L

Explanation: This ratio compares the amount of "bad" cholesterol (LDL and other non-HDL cholesterol) to the "good" cholesterol (HDL) in your blood.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: A lower ratio indicates a lower risk of heart disease, while a higher ratio suggests a higher risk. Generally, a ratio below 4 is considered healthy, while a ratio above 5 indicates increased cardiovascular risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total cholesterol and HDL values in mmol/L (UK standard units). Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy cholesterol ratio?
A: A ratio of 3.5 or lower is considered ideal. A ratio between 3.5-5 is acceptable, while above 5 indicates increased heart disease risk.

Q2: Why is cholesterol ratio important?
A: The ratio provides a better indicator of cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol alone, as it considers the balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol.

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 (reducing saturated fats), maintaining healthy weight, and if needed, medication.

Q5: Is this calculator suitable for everyone?
A: This calculator uses the UK standard measurement (mmol/L). If your results are in mg/dL (US standard), you'll need to convert them first.