1. What are Cholesterol Ratios?

Cholesterol ratios, such as TC/HDL and LDL/HDL, are important indicators of cardiovascular health. They provide a more comprehensive assessment of heart disease risk than individual cholesterol values alone.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses simple division formulas:

Where:

• \( TC \) — Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( HDL \) — High-Density Lipoprotein (mg/dL)
• \( LDL \) — Low-Density Lipoprotein (mg/dL)

Explanation: These ratios help assess cardiovascular risk by comparing atherogenic cholesterol (TC, LDL) to protective cholesterol (HDL).

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratios

Details: Cholesterol ratios are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease risk. Lower ratios generally indicate better cardiovascular health, while higher ratios suggest increased risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL values in mg/dL. All values must be valid (greater than 0). For accurate results, use recent lab test values.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are ideal cholesterol ratio values?
A: Ideal TC/HDL ratio is below 5:1, optimal is below 3.5:1. Ideal LDL/HDL ratio is below 3:1, optimal is below 2:1.

Q2: Why are ratios better than individual values?
A: Ratios provide a more balanced view of cholesterol profile by considering the relationship between "bad" and "good" cholesterol.

Q3: How often should cholesterol ratios be checked?
A: Adults should have cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if risk factors exist.

Q4: Can lifestyle changes improve cholesterol ratios?
A: Yes, regular exercise, healthy diet, weight management, and smoking cessation can significantly improve cholesterol ratios.

Q5: When should medication be considered?
A: Medication may be recommended when lifestyle changes alone don't achieve target ratios, especially for high-risk individuals.