1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — Measured in mg/dL
• HDL — High-Density Lipoprotein measured in mg/dL

Explanation: This ratio provides a better indicator of heart disease risk than total cholesterol alone, as it considers the protective effect of HDL cholesterol.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: A higher ratio indicates a higher risk of heart disease. Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, with the ideal ratio being 3.5:1 or lower.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be valid (greater than 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy 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: 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 (reducing saturated fats), maintaining healthy weight, and quitting smoking.

Q4: Is the cholesterol ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important, but the ratio provides a more complete picture of cardiovascular risk than either number alone.

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