1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol to your HDL (good) cholesterol. For men, this ratio provides important information about cardiovascular risk, with lower ratios indicating better heart health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cholesterol ratio formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The ratio provides a more comprehensive view of cholesterol balance than individual cholesterol numbers alone.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: For men, a cholesterol ratio below 5:1 is considered good, while a ratio of 3.5:1 or lower is considered optimal. Higher ratios indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator is specifically designed for men's cholesterol assessment.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is cholesterol ratio important for men?
A: Men typically have different cholesterol patterns than women, and the ratio provides gender-specific cardiovascular risk assessment.

Q2: What is a healthy cholesterol ratio for men?
A: A ratio below 5:1 is good, and below 3.5:1 is optimal for men. Ratios above 5:1 indicate increased heart disease risk.

Q3: How often should men check their cholesterol ratio?
A: Men over 20 should have cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if risk factors exist.

Q4: Can lifestyle changes improve cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, regular exercise, healthy diet, weight management, and quitting smoking can significantly improve cholesterol ratio.

Q5: When should medication be considered?
A: Medication may be recommended when lifestyle changes aren't sufficient to achieve target cholesterol levels, particularly for men with additional risk factors.