1. What is the Martin Equation?

The Martin equation is a novel method for calculating LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) that provides more accurate results than the traditional Friedewald formula, especially in patients with high triglyceride levels or low LDL-C values.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Martin equation:

Where:

• \( TC \) — Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( HDL-C \) — HDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( TG \) — Triglycerides (mg/dL)
• \( adjustable\ factor \) — Dimensionless factor based on triglyceride levels

Explanation: The adjustable factor varies based on triglyceride levels to provide more accurate LDL-C estimation across different patient populations.

3. Importance of LDL-C Calculation

Details: Accurate LDL-C measurement is crucial for cardiovascular risk assessment, treatment decision-making, and monitoring response to lipid-lowering therapy.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in mg/dL. Select the appropriate adjustable factor based on triglyceride levels. All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use Martin equation instead of Friedewald formula?
A: The Martin equation provides more accurate LDL-C estimation, especially in patients with high triglyceride levels (>400 mg/dL) or very low LDL-C values.

Q2: How do I choose the correct adjustable factor?
A: The factor is selected based on triglyceride levels: 2.2 (TG 75-99), 3.1 (TG 100-149), 4.0 (TG 150-199), 5.0 (TG 200-399), 6.0 (TG ≥400 mg/dL).

Q3: What are normal LDL-C values?
A: Optimal LDL-C is <100 mg/dL, near optimal is 100-129 mg/dL, borderline high is 130-159 mg/dL, high is 160-189 mg/dL, and very high is ≥190 mg/dL.

Q4: When should direct LDL measurement be used instead?
A: Direct measurement may be preferred in patients with very high triglycerides (>400 mg/dL) or when highly accurate LDL-C measurement is required.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: The equation may be less accurate in certain populations such as patients with dysbetalipoproteinemia or other rare lipid disorders.