1. What is Cholesterol Risk Ratio?

The Cholesterol Risk Ratio, calculated as Total Cholesterol divided by HDL Cholesterol, is a simple but powerful indicator of cardiovascular risk. It provides insight into the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol in your bloodstream.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Risk Ratio formula:

Where:

• \( TC \) — Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( HDL \) — HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: This ratio compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL (good) cholesterol level, with lower ratios indicating better cardiovascular health.

3. Importance of Risk Ratio Calculation

Details: The TC/HDL ratio is a strong predictor of heart disease risk. It's considered by many experts to be a better indicator of cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol alone.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good TC/HDL ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with optimal being below 3.5:1. Higher ratios indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

Q2: How often should I check my cholesterol levels?
A: Most adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. Those with risk factors may need more frequent testing.

Q3: Can I improve my TC/HDL ratio?
A: Yes, through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, healthy diet (rich in omega-3s and fiber), maintaining healthy weight, and avoiding smoking.

Q4: Are there limitations to this ratio?
A: While useful, it doesn't account for other risk factors like family history, blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking status.

Q5: Should I fast before cholesterol testing?
A: Traditionally, fasting for 9-12 hours was recommended, but recent guidelines suggest non-fasting tests may be acceptable for initial screening.