1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The Cholesterol Ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL (good) cholesterol level. It provides a quick assessment of cardiovascular risk and helps evaluate the balance between different types of cholesterol in your blood.

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, the "good" cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: The ratio provides insight into your cardiovascular health by showing the proportion of protective HDL cholesterol relative to your total cholesterol level.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: A lower ratio indicates better cardiovascular health, as it suggests a higher proportion of protective HDL cholesterol. Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered desirable, with optimal ratios below 3.5:1.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both Total Cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be greater than zero. Use recent blood test results for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy cholesterol ratio?
A: A ratio below 5:1 is generally considered healthy, with optimal ratios below 3.5:1. Lower ratios indicate better cardiovascular health.

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 such as regular exercise, healthy diet, maintaining healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.

Q4: Is the cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. While the ratio provides context, individual cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) also provide crucial information about cardiovascular risk.

Q5: What factors can affect cholesterol levels?
A: Diet, exercise, weight, age, genetics, medications, and certain medical conditions can all influence cholesterol levels.