1. What is LDL Cholesterol?

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, often called "bad cholesterol," can build up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow. The Friedewald formula provides an estimate of LDL cholesterol levels without requiring direct measurement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Friedewald formula:

Where:

• \( LDL-C \) — Calculated LDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( TC \) — Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( HDL-C \) — HDL cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( TG \) — Triglycerides (mg/dL)

Explanation: This formula estimates LDL cholesterol by subtracting HDL cholesterol and one-fifth of triglycerides from total cholesterol.

3. Importance of LDL Calculation

Details: Monitoring LDL cholesterol is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk and guiding cholesterol management strategies.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in mg/dL. All values must be valid (greater than 0). Note: This formula is less accurate when triglyceride levels exceed 400 mg/dL.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use the Friedewald formula?
A: It provides a quick, cost-effective estimate of LDL cholesterol without requiring specialized direct measurement techniques.

Q2: What are optimal LDL cholesterol levels?
A: Generally, LDL below 100 mg/dL is optimal, 100-129 mg/dL is near optimal, 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high, and above 160 mg/dL is high.

Q3: When should lipid levels be measured?
A: Fasting for 9-12 hours before testing provides the most accurate results, especially for triglyceride measurements.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: The formula becomes less accurate when triglyceride levels exceed 400 mg/dL and should not be used when triglycerides are above 500 mg/dL.

Q5: How often should cholesterol be checked?
A: Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if they have risk factors for heart disease.