How to Calculate Total Cholesterol

by

Total Cholesterol Calculator

Your Results

function calculateCholesterol() { var ldl = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ldlInput').value); var hdl = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hdlInput').value); var tri = parseFloat(document.getElementById('triInput').value); var resultArea = document.getElementById('resultArea'); var totalDisplay = document.getElementById('totalValue'); var classDisplay = document.getElementById('classification'); var vldlNote = document.getElementById('vldlNote'); if (isNaN(ldl) || isNaN(hdl) || isNaN(tri)) { alert("Please enter valid numbers for all fields."); return; } // The Friedewald Formula // Total Cholesterol = LDL + HDL + (Triglycerides / 5) var vldl = tri / 5; var total = ldl + hdl + vldl; total = Math.round(total); resultArea.style.display = 'block'; totalDisplay.innerHTML = "Total Cholesterol: " + total + " mg/dL"; if (total = 200 && total <= 239) { classDisplay.innerHTML = "Status: Borderline High"; classDisplay.style.color = "#f39c12"; resultArea.style.backgroundColor = "#fef5e7"; } else { classDisplay.innerHTML = "Status: High"; classDisplay.style.color = "#c0392b"; resultArea.style.backgroundColor = "#fdecea"; } vldlNote.innerHTML = "Estimated VLDL component: " + vldl.toFixed(1) + " mg/dL"; }

How to Calculate Total Cholesterol

Your total cholesterol level is a key metric used by healthcare providers to assess your cardiovascular health and risk for heart disease. While a blood panel (lipid profile) provides this number, it is actually a composite score of various types of fats in your bloodstream.

The Total Cholesterol Formula

The standard way to calculate total cholesterol is known as the Friedewald formula. It combines three primary measurements:

  • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol.
  • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "good" cholesterol.
  • VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein): Calculated as 20% of your Triglyceride level.

Total Cholesterol = LDL + HDL + (Triglycerides / 5)

A Realistic Example

Suppose your laboratory results show the following numbers:

  • LDL: 110 mg/dL
  • HDL: 55 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides: 150 mg/dL

To find the total, you first calculate the VLDL (150 / 5 = 30). Then, add them together: 110 + 55 + 30 = 195 mg/dL. In this scenario, the result is within the desirable range.

Understanding the Results

According to general health guidelines, here is how total cholesterol levels are typically categorized for adults:

Level (mg/dL) Category
Below 200 Desirable
200 – 239 Borderline High
240 and Above High

Why the Ratio Matters

While total cholesterol is a helpful snapshot, many doctors look closely at the Cholesterol Ratio (Total Cholesterol divided by HDL). A ratio below 5:1 is generally preferred, with 3.5:1 considered ideal. This is because high HDL can sometimes "buffer" a slightly elevated total cholesterol number.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a medical professional to interpret your blood results and determine the best course of action for your heart health.

Leave a Comment