1. What is Total Cholesterol?

Total cholesterol is a measurement of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. It's an important indicator of cardiovascular health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard UK formula:

Where:

• \( TC \) — Total cholesterol (mmol/L)
• \( HDL-C \) — HDL cholesterol (mmol/L)
• \( LDL-C \) — LDL cholesterol (mmol/L)
• \( TG \) — Triglycerides (mmol/L)

Explanation: This formula calculates total cholesterol by summing HDL, LDL, and VLDL cholesterol (estimated as TG/2.2) in mmol/L units commonly used in the UK.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Measurement

Details: Monitoring total cholesterol levels is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk. High cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides values in mmol/L. All values must be non-negative numbers. For accurate results, use values from recent blood tests.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are healthy cholesterol levels?
A: Total cholesterol should be below 5 mmol/L, with LDL below 3 mmol/L and HDL above 1 mmol/L for optimal cardiovascular health.

Q2: Why is the formula different in the UK?
A: The UK uses mmol/L units for cholesterol measurements, while some other countries use mg/dL. The conversion factor of 2.2 accounts for the estimation of VLDL cholesterol from triglycerides.

Q3: When should cholesterol be tested?
A: Adults should have cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if risk factors exist. Testing typically requires a fasting blood sample.

Q4: Can I use this calculator with mg/dL values?
A: No, this calculator is specifically designed for mmol/L units. For mg/dL values, a different formula would be needed.

Q5: What factors affect cholesterol levels?
A: Diet, exercise, weight, genetics, age, and certain medical conditions can all influence cholesterol levels.