LDL Cholesterol Calculator
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LDL Cholesterol Calculator (Friedewald Formula)
Estimate your Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol using the widely accepted Friedewald formula.
Your Estimated LDL Cholesterol:
—
Assessment:
—
Understanding Your LDL Cholesterol Calculation
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that your body needs to build healthy cells. However, having too much cholesterol, especially Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart disease. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries, forming plaque and narrowing the arteries.
A standard lipid panel blood test typically measures Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein, often called "good" cholesterol), and Triglycerides. Direct measurement of LDL cholesterol is not always performed. Instead, it is often *calculated* using a formula.
The Friedewald Formula
The most common method for calculating LDL cholesterol is the Friedewald equation. It's a simple mathematical relationship derived from laboratory data:
LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL) = Total Cholesterol – HDL Cholesterol – (Triglycerides / 5)
Important Considerations for the Friedewald Formula:
- This formula works best when triglyceride levels are below 400 mg/dL.
- It is less accurate for individuals with very high triglyceride levels, certain genetic conditions (like familial hypercholesterolemia), or after consuming a fatty meal immediately before the blood draw.
- For accurate results, it's recommended to fast for 9-12 hours before the blood test, avoiding fats and alcohol.
- If your triglyceride levels are 400 mg/dL or higher, your doctor may order a direct LDL measurement instead of relying on the calculated value.
Interpreting Your LDL Cholesterol Level
Your calculated LDL cholesterol level is a key indicator of your cardiovascular risk. General guidelines for desirable LDL levels are:
- Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Near Optimal/Above Average: 100-129 mg/dL
- Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
- High: 160-189 mg/dL
- Very High: 190 mg/dL and above
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. The target LDL cholesterol level can vary significantly based on individual risk factors, such as existing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, age, and smoking status. Always discuss your blood test results and their implications with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and treatment plans to manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
function calculateLdl() {
var totalCholesterol = parseFloat(document.getElementById("totalCholesterol").value);
var hdlCholesterol = parseFloat(document.getElementById("hdlCholesterol").value);
var triglycerides = parseFloat(document.getElementById("triglycerides").value);
var calculatedLdlValue = "–";
var assessmentText = "–";
var assessmentClass = "";
if (isNaN(totalCholesterol) || isNaN(hdlCholesterol) || isNaN(triglycerides)) {
document.getElementById("calculatedLdl").innerHTML = "Please enter valid numbers for all fields.";
document.getElementById("assessment").innerHTML = "";
return;
}
if (triglycerides >= 400) {
document.getElementById("calculatedLdl").innerHTML = "Triglycerides too high for calculation.";
document.getElementById("assessment").innerHTML = "Consult your doctor for direct LDL measurement.";
return;
}
if (totalCholesterol < hdlCholesterol) {
document.getElementById("calculatedLdl").innerHTML = "Invalid inputs (Total Chol < HDL Chol).";
document.getElementById("assessment").innerHTML = "";
return;
}
var ldl = totalCholesterol – hdlCholesterol – (triglycerides / 5);
calculatedLdlValue = ldl.toFixed(2); // Display with 2 decimal places
if (ldl = 100 && ldl = 130 && ldl = 160 && ldl < 190) {
assessmentText = "High";
assessmentClass = "assessment-high";
} else {
assessmentText = "Very High";
assessmentClass = "assessment-high";
}
document.getElementById("calculatedLdl").innerHTML = calculatedLdlValue + " mg/dL";
document.getElementById("assessment").innerHTML = assessmentText;
document.getElementById("assessment").className = "assessment-result " + assessmentClass; // Add base class and specific class
}