Calculate your estimated total cholesterol using standard risk factors. This is an estimation and not a substitute for a medical diagnosis.
Your estimated Total Cholesterol will appear here.
Understanding Your Total Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of your body. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, but high levels of certain types of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, as well as other lipids.
A standard lipid panel typically measures several components:
LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from arteries and transports it back to the liver for disposal. Higher HDL levels are generally protective against heart disease.
Triglycerides: Another type of fat in the blood. High triglyceride levels, especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL, are also associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
How Total Cholesterol is Calculated
Total cholesterol is the sum of your LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and a portion of your triglycerides. The most common formula used by healthcare professionals to estimate total cholesterol is:
The triglycerides are divided by 5 because for every 5 mg/dL of triglycerides, it's estimated that 1 mg/dL contributes to the total cholesterol value. This is a simplified estimation, and your doctor will interpret your lipid panel in its entirety, considering your medical history and other risk factors.
Interpreting Your Results
General guidelines for total cholesterol levels are:
Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL
Borderline High: 200 to 239 mg/dL
High: 240 mg/dL and above
However, it's crucial to remember that these are general guidelines. Your ideal cholesterol level may vary based on your individual risk factors for heart disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a personalized interpretation of your lipid panel results and for advice on managing your cholesterol levels.
function calculateTotalCholesterol() {
var ldlInput = document.getElementById("ldl");
var hdlInput = document.getElementById("hdl");
var triglyceridesInput = document.getElementById("triglycerides");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var ldl = parseFloat(ldlInput.value);
var hdl = parseFloat(hdlInput.value);
var triglycerides = parseFloat(triglyceridesInput.value);
if (isNaN(ldl) || isNaN(hdl) || isNaN(triglycerides)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid numbers for all fields.";
return;
}
// Ensure non-negative inputs
if (ldl < 0 || hdl < 0 || triglycerides < 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter non-negative values for cholesterol and triglycerides.";
return;
}
var totalCholesterol = ldl + hdl + (triglycerides / 5);
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated Total Cholesterol: " + totalCholesterol.toFixed(2) + " mg/dL";
}