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 (mg/dL)
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: This simple ratio provides insight into the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol in your bloodstream.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. A higher ratio suggests a higher risk of heart disease, while a lower ratio indicates lower risk. Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being around 3.5:1.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your 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: A ratio of 5:1 is considered average risk, 3.5:1 is considered ideal, and ratios above 5:1 indicate higher cardiovascular risk.

Q2: Is cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. While the ratio provides context, individual cholesterol levels (especially LDL) are also critical for assessing heart disease risk.

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

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

Q5: Does fasting affect cholesterol ratio calculation?
A: For the most accurate results, cholesterol tests are typically performed after a 9-12 hour fast to avoid the temporary increase in triglycerides that occurs after eating.