1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. This ratio provides a better indicator of cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol alone, as it reflects the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cholesterol ratio formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: A lower ratio indicates a lower risk of heart disease, as it suggests higher levels of protective HDL relative to total cholesterol.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. A ratio below 5:1 is considered ideal, while ratios above 5:1 indicate increased risk of heart disease.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter 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 of 3.5:1 or lower is considered optimal. Ratios between 3.5:1 and 5:1 are average, while ratios above 5:1 indicate higher 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: Can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy diet (reducing saturated fats), maintaining healthy weight, and if needed, medication.

Q4: Is the cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. While the ratio provides context, individual cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) also provide crucial information about heart health.

Q5: Does age affect cholesterol ratio?
A: Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, so regular monitoring becomes more important as you get older to maintain a healthy ratio.