1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. It's a simple way to assess cardiovascular risk, with lower ratios generally indicating better heart health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard 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: This ratio provides a quick assessment of heart disease risk, with lower values indicating better cardiovascular health.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is a valuable indicator of cardiovascular risk. A ratio below 5:1 is considered good, while a ratio above 5:1 may indicate increased risk of heart disease.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both 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 good cholesterol ratio?
A: A ratio of 5:1 or lower is considered good. The ideal ratio is 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, 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 both individual cholesterol numbers and the ratio when assessing cardiovascular risk.

Q5: Does the ratio calculation differ for men and women?
A: The calculation is the same, but ideal ratio ranges may vary slightly between genders due to different risk profiles.