1. What is the TC/HDL Cholesterol Ratio?

The TC/HDL (Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol) ratio is a calculated value that compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL ("good") cholesterol level. This ratio is considered a better indicator of heart disease risk than total cholesterol alone.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: A lower ratio indicates a lower risk of heart disease, while a higher ratio suggests increased risk.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The TC/HDL ratio provides a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk than individual cholesterol values. It helps evaluate the balance between "bad" cholesterol (LDL and VLDL) and "good" cholesterol (HDL).

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

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

Q4: Is the ratio different for men and women?
A: While the calculation is the same, ideal ratio targets may vary slightly between genders due to hormonal differences.

Q5: Can medications affect my cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications can significantly improve your ratio by lowering LDL and sometimes increasing HDL.