Cholesterol Ratio
Why the Ratio Matters More Than the Total
For years, doctors focused on keeping Total Cholesterol under 200 mg/dL. While this is still a good guideline, modern cardiology places much more emphasis on the Cholesterol Ratio.
Why? Because not all cholesterol is bad.
You could have a high total number (e.g., 240) but still be at low risk for heart disease if a large portion of that is "Good Cholesterol." Conversely, you could have a "safe" total of 180, but if your good cholesterol is extremely low, your risk of a heart attack remains high.
The Formula: Total ÷ HDL
This calculator uses the standard ratio used by the American Heart Association:
The goal is to keep this number under 5.0, with an optimal target of under 3.5.
Understanding the Players (HDL vs. LDL)
To understand your blood test, visualize your arteries as a highway.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): The "Bad" cholesterol. Think of these as delivery trucks dropping off packages (plaque) on the highway, causing traffic jams (clogs).
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): The "Good" cholesterol. Think of these as street sweepers. They drive through your arteries, pick up the excess LDL, and carry it back to the liver for disposal.
The Ratio essentially tells you: "Do I have enough street sweepers to handle the delivery trucks?"
Risk Reference Chart
Use this table to interpret your laboratory results.
| Risk Level | Ratio Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal | < 3.5 | Excellent protection against heart disease. |
| Standard Risk | 3.5 - 5.0 | Average for the general population. |
| High Risk | > 5.0 | Warning sign. Not enough HDL to clear arteries. |
How to Improve Your Ratio
You can lower your ratio in two ways: Lowering the Total (Diet/Statins) or Raising the HDL (Lifestyle). Raising HDL is often the healthier long-term strategy.
- Eat Healthy Fats: Omega-3s (Salmon, Walnuts) and Monounsaturated fats (Avocado, Olive Oil) boost HDL.
- Cut Sugar: Excess refined sugar lowers HDL and raises Triglycerides.
- Exercise: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and heavy lifting are proven to boost HDL levels more effectively than slow walking.