1. What is the TC/HDL Ratio?

The TC/HDL (Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol) ratio is a cardiovascular risk assessment tool that compares the total amount of cholesterol to the "good" HDL cholesterol in the blood. A lower ratio indicates better cardiovascular health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Cholesterol — Measured in mg/dL
• HDL Cholesterol — Measured in mg/dL

Explanation: The ratio provides insight into cholesterol balance, with HDL helping to remove excess cholesterol from arteries.

3. Importance of TC/HDL Ratio

Details: This ratio is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. Lower ratios (below 5:1) are desirable, while higher ratios indicate increased risk.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol values in mg/dL. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good TC/HDL ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 5:1 is considered good, below 4:1 is optimal, and above 6:1 indicates higher cardiovascular risk.

Q2: How often should this ratio be checked?
A: Adults should have cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if risk factors are present.

Q3: Can lifestyle changes improve the ratio?
A: Yes, regular exercise, healthy diet, weight management, and quitting smoking can improve both total cholesterol and HDL levels.

Q4: Are there limitations to this ratio?
A: While useful, it should be interpreted alongside other risk factors and lipid parameters for comprehensive assessment.

Q5: How does this compare to other cholesterol ratios?
A: TC/HDL ratio is one of several useful ratios; LDL/HDL and non-HDL cholesterol are also important cardiovascular risk markers.