1. What is LDL/HDL Ratio?

The LDL/HDL ratio is a cardiovascular risk assessment tool that compares the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) to "good" cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. This ratio provides a more comprehensive view of cholesterol balance than individual cholesterol values alone.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple ratio formula:

Where:

• \( LDL-C \) — Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( HDL-C \) — High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: The ratio calculates how many times higher your LDL cholesterol is compared to your HDL cholesterol, providing insight into your cardiovascular risk profile.

3. Importance of LDL/HDL Ratio

Details: A lower ratio indicates better cardiovascular health. Generally, a ratio below 3.5 is considered optimal, while ratios above 5.0 indicate increased cardiovascular risk. This ratio helps assess the balance between cholesterol removal (HDL) and cholesterol deposition (LDL) in arteries.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a healthy LDL/HDL ratio?
A: Generally, a ratio below 3.5 is considered optimal. Ratios between 3.5-5.0 are average, while ratios above 5.0 indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

Q2: Why use ratio instead of individual values?
A: The ratio provides a better overall picture of cholesterol balance, as it considers the relationship between "bad" and "good" cholesterol rather than looking at them in isolation.

Q3: Can I use mmol/L instead of mg/dL?
A: Yes, the ratio is unitless, so you can use either unit as long as both LDL and HDL are in the same unit system.

Q4: How often should I check my cholesterol ratio?
A: Most adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. Those with risk factors or existing conditions may need more frequent testing as recommended by their healthcare provider.

Q5: What other factors affect cardiovascular risk?
A: While cholesterol ratio is important, other factors include blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes, family history, age, and overall lifestyle habits.