1. What is Cholesterol to HDL Ratio?

The Cholesterol to HDL Ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol level to your HDL ("good") cholesterol level. This ratio is used by healthcare providers to assess cardiovascular risk.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: A lower ratio indicates better cardiovascular health, as it means you have more protective HDL relative to your total cholesterol.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The ratio is a strong predictor of heart disease risk. Generally:

• Ratio below 3.5: Optimal
• Ratio 3.5-5: Average risk
• Ratio above 5: Higher risk

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both total cholesterol and HDL values in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers. For most accurate results, use values from a recent lipid panel.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good cholesterol ratio?
A: Ideally below 3.5, with below 5 considered acceptable for most people. Higher ratios indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

Q2: Is this ratio more important than individual numbers?
A: Both are important. The ratio provides context about how your HDL relates to your total cholesterol.

Q3: How can I improve my ratio?
A: Increase HDL through exercise and healthy fats, and decrease total cholesterol through diet and medications if needed.

Q4: Does this ratio apply to children?
A: Cholesterol ratios are typically not assessed in children unless there's a specific medical reason.

Q5: How often should I check this ratio?
A: Adults should have a lipid panel every 4-6 years, or more often if you have risk factors for heart disease.