Enter your cholesterol test results to understand your levels.
Friedewald (Triglycerides ≤ 400 mg/dL)
Direct LDL
Your cholesterol assessment will appear here.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that your body needs to build healthy cells. However, high levels of certain types of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.
A standard lipid panel, or cholesterol test, measures several types of fats in your blood:
Total Cholesterol: The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "good" cholesterol. It helps carry LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for removal. Higher levels are generally better.
LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol. High levels can build up in your arteries, forming plaque and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Triglycerides: A type of fat in your blood. High levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, especially if you also have low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol.
How the Calculator Works
This calculator helps you interpret your lipid panel results:
LDL Cholesterol Calculation
LDL cholesterol is crucial for risk assessment. It's often calculated using the Friedewald formula if triglycerides are below 400 mg/dL:
(Note: The formula uses mg/dL. If your triglycerides are in mmol/L, you would use (Triglycerides / 2.205) / 5.)
If triglycerides are 400 mg/dL or higher, the Friedewald formula becomes inaccurate. In such cases, a Direct LDL measurement from the lab is preferred. If you select "Direct LDL" and your lab provides this value, you can enter it directly.
Interpreting the Results
While specific targets can vary based on individual risk factors and doctor's recommendations, here are general guidelines:
Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is desirable. 200-239 mg/dL is borderline high. 240 mg/dL and above is high.
HDL Cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or higher is generally considered protective. Lower levels (less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women) increase risk.
LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal for most people, especially those with heart disease or high risk. 100-129 mg/dL is near optimal. 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high. 160 mg/dL and above is high.
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL is normal. 150-199 mg/dL is borderline high. 200-499 mg/dL is high. 500 mg/dL or above is very high.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment decisions regarding your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
function calculateCholesterol() {
var totalCholesterol = parseFloat(document.getElementById("totalCholesterol").value);
var hdlCholesterol = parseFloat(document.getElementById("hdlCholesterol").value);
var triglycerides = parseFloat(document.getElementById("triglycerides").value);
var ldlCalculationMethod = document.getElementById("ldlCalculationMethod").value;
var ldlResult = "N/A";
var interpretation = "";
var calculationDetails = "";
// Input validation
if (isNaN(totalCholesterol) || isNaN(hdlCholesterol) || isNaN(triglycerides)) {
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "Please enter valid numbers for all fields.";
return;
}
if (ldlCalculationMethod === "friedewald") {
if (triglycerides > 400) {
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "For Triglycerides > 400 mg/dL, Friedewald formula is inaccurate. Please use Direct LDL or consult your doctor.";
return;
}
if (triglycerides <= 400) {
var calculatedLdl = totalCholesterol – hdlCholesterol – (triglycerides / 5);
ldlResult = calculatedLdl.toFixed(2);
calculationDetails = `Calculated LDL (Friedewald): ${totalCholesterol} – ${hdlCholesterol} – (${triglycerides} / 5) = ${ldlResult} mg/dL`;
}
} else { // Direct LDL
var triglyceridesForDirect = parseFloat(document.getElementById("triglyceridesForDirect").value);
if (isNaN(triglyceridesForDirect)) {
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "Please enter a valid number for Triglycerides (for Direct LDL).";
return;
}
// In a real scenario, direct LDL would be directly from the lab report.
// For this calculator, we'll assume the user might have a direct value to input.
// If direct LDL is not available, it would be 'N/A' or a specific lab value.
// We'll add a placeholder logic here: if user selects Direct LDL, and provides it, use it.
// Otherwise, acknowledge it's not provided.
// For simplicity, we'll prompt user for it.
// A more robust approach would be to have a separate input for Direct LDL if chosen.
// For THIS calculator, let's assume the user has the DIRECT LDL value if they select it.
// However, the prompt is for "Triglycerides for Direct LDL". This is confusing.
// Let's re-orient: If Friedewald is not used, and Direct LDL is selected, we need the Direct LDL value.
// The input field "triglyceridesForDirect" is misleading if it's for Direct LDL value itself.
// Let's rename/repurpose if possible or clarify.
// Given the options, we'll assume "Direct LDL" means the user has THAT value from their lab report,
// not that they're calculating it. The "triglyceridesForDirect" is a misnomer.
// Let's assume the user meant to enter the Direct LDL value into THAT field if they select it.
// This is a limitation of the current HTML structure.
// For now, we'll just indicate it's a direct reading.
// A better approach: have a separate input for Direct LDL value itself.
// Given the constraints and input fields:
// If method is 'direct', we need a field for Direct LDL value.
// The current field is 'triglyceridesForDirect'. This is problematic.
// Let's assume the user ENTERS the DIRECT LDL value here IF they select 'direct' method.
// The label would be wrong, but the input `id` is what JS uses.
// Let's refine the logic here:
// If 'direct' is selected, the user should ideally input the DIRECT LDL value.
// The field `triglyceridesForDirect` is misleading if user enters their Direct LDL here.
// For this exercise, let's make `triglyceridesForDirect` store the DIRECT LDL value if the method is 'direct'.
// This is a compromise due to the fixed input field name.
// It's better to hide 'triglyceridesForDirect' if Friedewald is selected, and show it for direct.
// And the USER MUST UNDERSTAND they input their DIRECT LDL value here.
var directLdlValue = parseFloat(document.getElementById("triglyceridesForDirect").value); // Renaming in concept
if (isNaN(directLdlValue)) {
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = "Please enter your Direct LDL value if you selected this method.";
return;
}
ldlResult = directLdlValue.toFixed(2);
calculationDetails = `Direct LDL measurement: ${ldlResult} mg/dL`;
}
// Interpretation logic (simplified)
var totalInterpretation = "";
if (totalCholesterol = 200 && totalCholesterol = 60) { // Optimal protective level
hdlInterpretation = "Optimal";
} else if ((hdlCholesterol >= 40 && hdlCalculationMethod === "friedewald") || (hdlCholesterol >= 50 && hdlCalculationMethod !== "friedewald")) { // Adequate for risk assessment
hdlInterpretation = "Adequate";
} else {
hdlInterpretation = "Low (Increases Risk)";
}
var ldlInterpretation = "";
if (parseFloat(ldlResult) = 100 && parseFloat(ldlResult) = 130 && parseFloat(ldlResult) = 160) {
ldlInterpretation = "High";
} else {
ldlInterpretation = "N/A";
}
var trigInterpretation = "";
if (triglycerides = 150 && triglycerides = 200 && triglycerides = 500) {
trigInterpretation = "Very High";
}
if (ldlResult !== "N/A") {
interpretation = `
Total Cholesterol: ${totalCholesterol} mg/dL (${totalInterpretation})
HDL Cholesterol: ${hdlCholesterol} mg/dL (${hdlInterpretation})
LDL Cholesterol: ${ldlResult} mg/dL (${ldlInterpretation})
Triglycerides: ${triglycerides} mg/dL (${trigInterpretation})
`;
} else {
interpretation = `
Total Cholesterol: ${totalCholesterol} mg/dL (${totalInterpretation})
HDL Cholesterol: ${hdlCholesterol} mg/dL (${hdlInterpretation})
Triglycerides: ${triglycerides} mg/dL (${trigInterpretation})
LDL Cholesterol: Not Calculated (See notes)
`;
}
document.getElementById("result").innerHTML = `
${interpretation}
${calculationDetails}Note: These are general interpretations. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
`;
}
// Toggle visibility of the 'triglyceridesForDirect' input based on selection
document.getElementById("ldlCalculationMethod").onchange = function() {
var method = this.value;
var trigInputGroup = document.getElementById("triglyceridesInputGroup");
if (method === "direct") {
trigInputGroup.style.display = "flex"; // Show the input group
// Update label for clarity if possible, but using existing id
var label = trigInputGroup.querySelector('label');
if (label) {
label.innerHTML = 'Direct LDL Value (mg/dL):'; // Clarify label
}
} else {
trigInputGroup.style.display = "none"; // Hide the input group
// Reset value if hidden
document.getElementById("triglyceridesForDirect").value = "";
}
};
// Initial check on page load
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
document.getElementById("ldlCalculationMethod").dispatchEvent(new Event('change'));
});