Total Cholesterol Formula:
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Total cholesterol is a measurement of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. It's an important indicator of cardiovascular health.
The calculator uses the standard formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates total cholesterol by summing HDL, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol (estimated as triglycerides divided by 2.2).
Details: Monitoring total cholesterol levels is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk. High total cholesterol levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Tips: Enter HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides values in mmol/L. All values must be non-negative numbers. For accurate results, use recent blood test measurements.
Q1: What are healthy total cholesterol levels?
A: Generally, total cholesterol below 5.2 mmol/L is considered desirable, 5.2-6.2 mmol/L is borderline high, and above 6.2 mmol/L is high.
Q2: Why is the triglyceride value divided by 2.2?
A: This conversion estimates VLDL cholesterol, as VLDL carries most triglycerides in the blood and VLDL cholesterol is approximately equal to triglycerides divided by 2.2.
Q3: How often should cholesterol be tested?
A: Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if they have risk factors for heart disease.
Q4: What factors affect cholesterol levels?
A: Diet, exercise, weight, age, gender, genetics, and certain medical conditions can all influence cholesterol levels.
Q5: Should this calculation be used for medical diagnosis?
A: While this calculator provides an estimate, always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.