1. What is the TC/HDL Ratio?

The TC/HDL ratio (Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol ratio) is a cardiovascular risk assessment tool that compares the total amount of cholesterol to the "good" HDL cholesterol. A lower ratio indicates better cardiovascular health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — The sum of all cholesterol types in the blood (mg/dL)
• HDL Cholesterol — High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: This ratio provides insight into the balance between "bad" cholesterol (contained in LDL and VLDL) and "good" cholesterol (HDL).

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The TC/HDL ratio is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. A ratio below 5:1 is considered optimal, while ratios above 5:1 indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy TC/HDL ratio?
A: A ratio below 5:1 is considered healthy. The ideal ratio is below 3.5:1 for optimal cardiovascular health.

Q2: How does this ratio compare to other cholesterol measures?
A: The TC/HDL ratio provides a more comprehensive risk assessment than looking at total cholesterol or LDL alone, as it considers the protective effect of HDL cholesterol.

Q3: When should I get my cholesterol tested?
A: Adults should have cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease or a family history of high cholesterol.

Q4: How can I improve my TC/HDL ratio?
A: Regular exercise, healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), maintaining healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can help improve your ratio.

Q5: Are there limitations to using this ratio?
A: While useful, the ratio should be interpreted alongside other risk factors and lipid measurements for a complete cardiovascular risk assessment.