Calculate your heart health markers using your lipid panel results.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Ratios
While total cholesterol numbers are important, many medical professionals look at cholesterol ratios as a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. These ratios provide insight into the balance between "good" cholesterol (HDL) and "bad" cholesterol (LDL).
The Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
This is the most common ratio used by physicians. It is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL level. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the goal is to keep this ratio below 5.0, with an ideal ratio being 3.5 or lower.
Optimal: 3.5 or less
Good: 3.6 to 5.0
High Risk: Over 5.0
The LDL / HDL Ratio
This ratio compares the amount of "bad" cholesterol to "good" cholesterol directly. A higher ratio indicates a higher risk of plaque buildup in the arteries. Most health experts recommend keeping this ratio below 2.0 or 2.5.
The Triglyceride / HDL Ratio
This ratio is an indicator of insulin resistance and the presence of small, dense LDL particles, which are particularly damaging to arteries. A ratio below 2.0 is considered excellent.
Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider to interpret your blood work results and determine your cardiovascular risk.
Calculation Example
If your lab results show:
Total Cholesterol: 200 mg/dL
HDL: 50 mg/dL
LDL: 110 mg/dL
Triglycerides: 150 mg/dL
function calculateCholesterolRatios() {
var total = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalChol').value);
var hdl = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hdlChol').value);
var ldl = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ldlChol').value);
var trig = parseFloat(document.getElementById('triglycerides').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('cholesterolResult');
if (isNaN(total) || isNaN(hdl) || total <= 0 || hdl <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for Total and HDL cholesterol.");
return;
}
var totalHdlRatio = (total / hdl).toFixed(2);
var ldlHdlRatio = !isNaN(ldl) ? (ldl / hdl).toFixed(2) : null;
var trigHdlRatio = !isNaN(trig) ? (trig / hdl).toFixed(2) : null;
var resultHTML = '