1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. This ratio is used to help assess cardiovascular risk, with lower ratios generally indicating lower risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cholesterol ratio formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — The sum of HDL, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol
• HDL — High-density lipoprotein ("good" cholesterol)

Explanation: This simple ratio provides a quick assessment of cardiovascular risk profile.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. A ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being 3.5:1 or lower.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be valid (greater than 0). For accurate results, use recent lab values.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good cholesterol ratio?
A: A ratio of 5:1 is considered average risk, 3.5:1 is considered ideal, and ratios above 5:1 indicate higher cardiovascular risk.

Q2: Is cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. While the ratio provides a quick assessment, individual cholesterol components (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) give a more complete picture.

Q3: How can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: You can improve your ratio by increasing HDL through exercise and healthy fats, and decreasing total cholesterol through diet and medication if needed.

Q4: How often should cholesterol be tested?
A: Adults should have cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Q5: Are there limitations to using cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, the ratio doesn't account for other risk factors like family history, smoking, hypertension, or diabetes, which should also be considered in overall risk assessment.