1. What is TC/HDL Cholesterol Ratio?

The TC/HDL (Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol) ratio is a cardiovascular risk assessment tool used in the UK healthcare system. It compares the total cholesterol level to the "good" HDL cholesterol level, providing insight into heart disease risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple ratio formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — Measured in mmol/L (UK standard)
• HDL Cholesterol — Measured in mmol/L (UK standard)

Explanation: The ratio indicates how much "bad" cholesterol exists relative to "good" cholesterol, with lower ratios indicating better cardiovascular health.

3. Importance of TC/HDL Ratio

Details: The TC/HDL ratio is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk. NHS guidelines use this ratio alongside other factors to assess heart disease risk and guide treatment decisions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol values in mmol/L (UK standard units). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy TC/HDL ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 4.0 is considered ideal. Ratios above 5.0 indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

Q2: Why use mmol/L instead of mg/dL?
A: The UK healthcare system uses mmol/L as the standard unit for cholesterol measurements, unlike the US which uses mg/dL.

Q3: How often should I check my cholesterol ratio?
A: NHS recommends cholesterol testing every 5 years for adults over 40, or more frequently if you have risk factors.

Q4: Can lifestyle changes improve my ratio?
A: Yes, regular exercise, healthy diet (reducing saturated fats), and maintaining healthy weight can improve your ratio.

Q5: When should I see a doctor about my ratio?
A: Consult your GP if your ratio is above 5.0, or if you have other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure or family history.