1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The Cholesterol Ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level. It provides a general indicator of cardiovascular health risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Cholesterol Ratio formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The ratio provides a simple way to assess cardiovascular risk by comparing total cholesterol to protective HDL cholesterol.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: A lower ratio generally indicates better cardiovascular health. Doctors use this ratio along with other lipid measurements to assess heart disease risk and determine appropriate treatment strategies.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy cholesterol ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being around 3.5:1 or lower.

Q2: How often should I check my cholesterol ratio?
A: Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Q3: Can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and if needed, medication prescribed by your doctor.

Q4: Is the cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. While the ratio provides a quick assessment, doctors also consider individual cholesterol levels for a complete picture of cardiovascular health.

Q5: Are there limitations to using just the cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, it doesn't account for other important factors like LDL levels, triglycerides, or other risk factors such as family history, smoking, or diabetes.