1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The Cholesterol Ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level. It provides a useful indicator of cardiovascular health risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Cholesterol Ratio formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — Measured in mg/dL or mmol/L
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein cholesterol measured in mg/dL or mmol/L

Explanation: The ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol value by your HDL cholesterol value. A lower ratio generally indicates better cardiovascular health.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is an important indicator of heart disease risk. It helps assess the balance between "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and "good" cholesterol (HDL) in your bloodstream.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy cholesterol ratio?
A: A ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being around 3.5:1 or lower.

Q2: How does cholesterol ratio differ from individual cholesterol numbers?
A: While individual numbers are important, the ratio provides a better overall picture of cholesterol balance and cardiovascular risk.

Q3: Can I use mmol/L values instead of mg/dL?
A: Yes, the ratio calculation works with either unit since both numerator and denominator use the same unit of measurement.

Q4: 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.

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