1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. It provides a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk than either value alone, as it reflects the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cholesterol ratio formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: A lower ratio indicates a lower risk of heart disease, as it suggests higher levels of protective HDL relative to total cholesterol.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. A ratio below 5:1 is considered desirable, with optimal ratios being 3.5:1 or lower.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol and HDL 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 cholesterol ratio?
A: A ratio of 5:1 or below is considered average risk, while 3.5:1 is considered optimal for heart health.

Q2: How often should cholesterol levels be checked?
A: Adults should have cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if risk factors are present.

Q3: Can the ratio be too low?
A: Extremely low ratios are uncommon but generally not harmful. Very low cholesterol may indicate other health issues.

Q4: How can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: Regular exercise, healthy diet (reducing saturated fats), maintaining healthy weight, and not smoking can improve your ratio.

Q5: Is the ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. While the ratio provides context, extremely high LDL or low HDL levels require attention regardless of ratio.