Calculate your Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol ratio, a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
Your Cholesterol Ratio:
Understanding Your Cholesterol Ratio
The cholesterol ratio, specifically the Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol ratio, is a powerful predictor of your risk for heart disease. It compares the total amount of cholesterol in your blood to the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol.
Why is this ratio important? While total cholesterol gives a general idea of your cholesterol levels, it doesn't distinguish between the different types of cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL ("bad") cholesterol from your arteries, thus protecting against heart disease. A lower ratio generally indicates a lower risk of heart disease, while a higher ratio suggests a greater risk.
How is the ratio calculated?
The calculation is straightforward:
Cholesterol Ratio = Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) / HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)
For example, if your Total Cholesterol is 200 mg/dL and your HDL Cholesterol is 50 mg/dL, your ratio would be:
200 mg/dL / 50 mg/dL = 4.0
This would be expressed as a 4:1 ratio.
Interpreting Your Ratio:
Less than 3.5:1 – Generally considered optimal, indicating a lower risk.
3.5:1 to 4.5:1 – Average risk.
Greater than 4.5:1 – Higher risk of heart disease.
Greater than 5:1 – Significantly increased risk.
Important Note: This calculator provides an estimate based on your input values. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment of your cardiovascular health and personalized recommendations. They can consider your entire health profile, including other risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, smoking status, and family history.
function calculateCholesterolRatio() {
var totalCholesterolInput = document.getElementById("totalCholesterol");
var hdlCholesterolInput = document.getElementById("hdlCholesterol");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var resultValueDiv = document.getElementById("result-value");
var interpretationDiv = document.getElementById("interpretation");
var totalCholesterol = parseFloat(totalCholesterolInput.value);
var hdlCholesterol = parseFloat(hdlCholesterolInput.value);
if (isNaN(totalCholesterol) || isNaN(hdlCholesterol)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for both Total Cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol.");
return;
}
if (hdlCholesterol <= 0) {
alert("HDL Cholesterol must be a positive number greater than zero.");
return;
}
var ratio = totalCholesterol / hdlCholesterol;
var formattedRatio = ratio.toFixed(1); // Display one decimal place
resultValueDiv.textContent = formattedRatio + ":1";
var interpretation = "";
if (ratio = 3.5 && ratio <= 4.5) {
interpretation = "This is an average ratio. Discuss lifestyle changes with your doctor.";
resultDiv.style.borderColor = "#ffc107"; // Warning Yellow
} else {
interpretation = "This ratio is higher than recommended, indicating an increased risk of heart disease. Please consult your doctor.";
resultDiv.style.borderColor = "#dc3545"; // Danger Red
}
interpretationDiv.textContent = interpretation;
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}