1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol value by your HDL cholesterol level. This ratio is used by healthcare providers to help assess cardiovascular risk, with lower ratios generally indicating lower risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cholesterol ratio formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — The sum of HDL, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol in the blood (mg/dL)
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein, often called "good" cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: This simple ratio provides insight into the balance between protective (HDL) and potentially harmful cholesterol components in your bloodstream.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is a valuable indicator of cardiovascular health. A ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being below 3.5:1. Higher ratios may indicate increased risk of heart disease.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be greater than zero. For accurate results, use values from recent blood tests.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy cholesterol ratio?
A: A ratio of 5:1 is considered average risk, while 3.5:1 is considered optimal. Ratios above 5:1 may indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

Q2: Is cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both individual numbers and the ratio provide valuable information. Healthcare providers consider all cholesterol values along with other risk factors.

Q3: How can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: You can improve your ratio by increasing HDL through exercise and healthy fats, and decreasing LDL through diet, exercise, and medication if prescribed.

Q4: How often should I check my cholesterol levels?
A: Adults should have cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease or are on cholesterol medication.

Q5: Does this calculator replace medical advice?
A: No, this calculator is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper cholesterol management and interpretation of results.