1. What is the Cholesterol Ratio Score?

The Cholesterol Ratio Score is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL (good) cholesterol level. It provides a quick assessment of cardiovascular risk, with lower ratios generally indicating better heart health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Cholesterol Ratio formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This ratio helps assess heart disease risk by comparing the amount of "bad" cholesterol components to the protective HDL cholesterol.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is a valuable indicator of cardiovascular health. Doctors often prefer this ratio over individual cholesterol numbers because it provides a more comprehensive picture of heart disease risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be greater than zero. The result is a unitless ratio that can help assess your cardiovascular risk.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good cholesterol ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being around 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, a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and if needed, medication.

Q4: Is the cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important, but the ratio provides context about the relationship between your HDL and other cholesterol components.

Q5: What are healthy ranges for total cholesterol and HDL?
A: Total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL, while HDL should be above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.