1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol to your HDL (good) cholesterol. It provides a quick assessment of cardiovascular risk and is often used alongside individual cholesterol measurements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cholesterol ratio formula:

Where:

• \( Total\ Cholesterol \) — The sum of all cholesterol in your blood (mg/dL)
• \( HDL \) — High-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: This simple ratio provides insight into your cardiovascular health by showing the relationship between your total cholesterol and protective HDL cholesterol.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: A lower ratio generally indicates better cardiovascular health. Doctors use this ratio alongside other measurements to assess heart disease risk and determine appropriate treatment plans.

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: Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being around 3.5:1 or lower.

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 like regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and if needed, medication.

Q4: Is the cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. Healthcare providers consider the ratio alongside individual cholesterol numbers for a complete assessment.

Q5: Does this calculator work with mmol/L measurements?
A: The ratio calculation works the same regardless of units (mg/dL or mmol/L) since the units cancel out in the division.