1. What is LDL Cholesterol?

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, often called "bad cholesterol," can build up in the walls of arteries, making them hard and narrow. The Friedewald formula is commonly used to estimate LDL levels when direct measurement is not available.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Friedewald formula:

Where:

• \( LDL \) — Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( TC \) — Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( HDL \) — High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( TG \) — Triglycerides (mg/dL)

Explanation: This formula provides an estimation of LDL cholesterol levels based on other lipid panel measurements.

3. Importance of LDL Calculation

Details: Monitoring LDL cholesterol is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk. Optimal LDL levels are below 100 mg/dL, with higher levels indicating increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in mg/dL. All values must be positive numbers. The formula works best when triglyceride levels are below 400 mg/dL.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the optimal LDL levels?
A: <100 mg/dL is optimal, 100-129 mg/dL is near optimal, 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160-189 mg/dL is high, and ≥190 mg/dL is very high.

Q2: When is the Friedewald formula not accurate?
A: The formula is less accurate when triglyceride levels exceed 400 mg/dL, in non-fasting samples, or in patients with certain medical conditions.

Q3: How often should LDL be checked?
A: Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if they have risk factors for heart disease.

Q4: What factors affect LDL levels?
A: Diet, exercise, weight, genetics, age, and certain medications can all influence LDL cholesterol levels.

Q5: Can LDL be too low?
A: While very low LDL (<40 mg/dL) is uncommon, extremely low levels may be associated with certain health risks in some individuals.