Calculate your HDL Cholesterol Ratio to assess your heart health risk.
Your HDL Ratio is:
–
Understanding the HDL Ratio
The HDL ratio, also known as the Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio, is a crucial marker in assessing your risk for cardiovascular disease. It compares your total cholesterol level to your High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. A lower HDL ratio generally indicates a lower risk of heart disease, while a higher ratio suggests a greater risk.
How the Calculation Works
The calculation for the HDL ratio is straightforward:
HDL Ratio = Total Cholesterol / HDL Cholesterol
For example, if your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL and your HDL cholesterol is 50 mg/dL, your HDL ratio would be 200 / 50 = 4.
Interpreting Your Results
While specific targets can vary based on individual health factors and physician recommendations, general guidelines for the HDL ratio are as follows:
Less than 3.0: Considered optimal and indicates a lower risk of heart disease.
3.0 – 3.4: Good range, still associated with a relatively low risk.
3.5 – 4.9: Average risk.
5.0 – 5.9: Borderline high risk.
6.0 and above: High risk for heart disease.
Important Note: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized advice regarding your cholesterol levels and heart health.
Why is this Ratio Important?
A high ratio can signal an increased risk of plaque buildup in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Focusing on improving your HDL levels while managing total cholesterol is a key strategy for heart health. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can help improve your cholesterol profile and lower your HDL ratio.
function calculateHdlRatio() {
var totalCholesterolInput = document.getElementById("totalCholesterol");
var hdlCholesterolInput = document.getElementById("hdlCholesterol");
var hdlRatioResultElement = document.getElementById("hdlRatioResult");
var interpretationElement = document.getElementById("interpretation");
var errorMessageElement = document.getElementById("errorMessage");
// Clear previous error messages
errorMessageElement.innerText = "";
interpretationElement.innerText = "";
var totalCholesterol = parseFloat(totalCholesterolInput.value);
var hdlCholesterol = parseFloat(hdlCholesterolInput.value);
// Input validation
if (isNaN(totalCholesterol) || totalCholesterol <= 0) {
errorMessageElement.innerText = "Please enter a valid Total Cholesterol value.";
hdlRatioResultElement.innerText = "-";
return;
}
if (isNaN(hdlCholesterol) || hdlCholesterol = totalCholesterol) {
errorMessageElement.innerText = "HDL Cholesterol cannot be greater than or equal to Total Cholesterol.";
hdlRatioResultElement.innerText = "-";
return;
}
var hdlRatio = totalCholesterol / hdlCholesterol;
hdlRatioResultElement.innerText = hdlRatio.toFixed(1); // Display one decimal place
// Provide interpretation
var interpretation = "";
if (hdlRatio = 3.0 && hdlRatio = 3.5 && hdlRatio = 5.0 && hdlRatio = 6.0) {
interpretation = "This is a high ratio, indicating a significantly increased risk of heart disease. Medical consultation is strongly recommended.";
}
interpretationElement.innerText = interpretation;
}