1. What is the TC/HDL Ratio?

The TC/HDL ratio is a cardiovascular risk assessment tool that compares total cholesterol to HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. It provides insight into cholesterol balance and cardiovascular health risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the TC/HDL ratio formula:

Where:

• \( Total\ Cholesterol \) — Total cholesterol level in mg/dL
• \( HDL\ Cholesterol \) — HDL cholesterol level in mg/dL

Explanation: The ratio is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol, with lower ratios indicating better cardiovascular health.

3. Importance of TC/HDL Ratio

Details: The TC/HDL ratio is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Lower ratios are associated with reduced risk, while higher ratios indicate increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter 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 good TC/HDL ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with optimal being below 3.5:1. Lower ratios indicate better 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 HDL alone, as it considers the balance between "bad" and "good" 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: Can lifestyle changes improve my TC/HDL ratio?
A: Yes, regular exercise, healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), maintaining healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can improve your ratio.

Q5: Are there limitations to using this ratio?
A: While useful, the ratio should be interpreted in context with other risk factors and should not be the sole determinant of cardiovascular risk assessment.