body {
font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
background-color: #f4f7f6;
margin: 0;
padding: 20px;
}
.loan-calc-container {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 20px auto;
background-color: #ffffff;
padding: 30px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}
h1, h2 {
color: #004a99;
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
gap: 10px;
}
.input-group label {
flex: 1;
min-width: 120px;
font-weight: 600;
color: #555;
}
.input-group input[type="number"] {
flex: 2;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 1rem;
}
.input-group input[type="number"]:focus {
border-color: #004a99;
outline: none;
box-shadow: 0 0 5px rgba(0, 74, 153, 0.3);
}
button {
background-color: #004a99;
color: white;
padding: 12px 20px;
border: none;
border-radius: 5px;
cursor: pointer;
font-size: 1.1rem;
transition: background-color 0.3s ease;
display: block;
width: 100%;
margin-top: 20px;
}
button:hover {
background-color: #003366;
}
#result {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
background-color: #e7f3ff;
border: 1px solid #004a99;
border-radius: 5px;
text-align: center;
font-size: 1.4rem;
font-weight: bold;
color: #003366;
}
#result span {
color: #28a745;
}
.article-content {
margin-top: 40px;
padding: 25px;
background-color: #f8f9fa;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
}
.article-content h2 {
color: #004a99;
text-align: left;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.article-content p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
color: #444;
}
.article-content ul {
margin-left: 20px;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.article-content li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
color: #444;
}
.formula-box {
background-color: #e9ecef;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 5px;
margin-top: 15px;
font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;
font-size: 0.95rem;
overflow-x: auto;
}
.critical-note {
color: #dc3545;
font-weight: bold;
margin-top: 10px;
display: block;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.input-group {
flex-direction: column;
align-items: stretch;
}
.input-group label {
margin-bottom: 5px;
min-width: auto;
}
.loan-calc-container {
padding: 20px;
}
}
Understanding Your LDL Cholesterol Level
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health. While cholesterol is essential for building healthy cells, high levels of LDL can lead to serious health problems.
What is LDL Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells of your body. It's necessary for making hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest food. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, but it's also found in some foods. Cholesterol travels through your blood attached to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins. LDL is one type of lipoprotein.
When LDL cholesterol levels are too high, it can build up in the walls of your arteries, forming thick deposits called plaque. This process is known as atherosclerosis. Over time, plaque can narrow the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow. If a plaque ruptures, it can lead to a blood clot, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke.
Why Calculate LDL?
Your doctor typically orders a lipid panel, which includes measurements for Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and often calculates LDL Cholesterol. While direct measurement of LDL is sometimes performed, it is commonly estimated using a formula. Knowing your LDL level is vital for assessing your risk of heart disease and stroke and guiding treatment decisions.
The Calculation: Friedewald Formula
The most common method for estimating LDL cholesterol is the Friedewald formula. This formula requires measurements of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides from a blood test.
Estimated LDL = Total Cholesterol – HDL Cholesterol – (Triglycerides / 5)
(Note: This formula is typically used when triglyceride levels are below 400 mg/dL)
Interpreting Your LDL Results
General guidelines for LDL cholesterol levels are as follows (these can vary based on individual risk factors and medical advice):
- Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL (especially important for people with existing heart disease or diabetes)
- Near Optimal/Above Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
- Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
- High: 160-189 mg/dL
- Very High: 190 mg/dL and above
Important Note: These are general guidelines. The "meaning" of your LDL level is highly individualized. Factors such as age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other medical conditions significantly impact your overall cardiovascular risk. Always consult with your healthcare provider for a personalized interpretation of your lipid panel results and a treatment plan tailored to your specific health needs.
Factors Influencing LDL Levels
- Diet: Saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol.
- Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase LDL levels.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower LDL.
- Genetics: Some individuals have inherited conditions that cause high LDL.
- Age and Sex: Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age, and men generally have higher LDL levels than premenopausal women.
When to See a Doctor
If your calculated LDL level is high or borderline high, or if you have other risk factors for heart disease, it's essential to discuss this with your doctor. They can provide guidance on lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) and, if necessary, medication to help manage your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk.
function calculateLDL() {
var totalCholesterol = parseFloat(document.getElementById("totalCholesterol").value);
var hdlCholesterol = parseFloat(document.getElementById("hdlCholesterol").value);
var triglycerides = parseFloat(document.getElementById("triglycerides").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
if (isNaN(totalCholesterol) || isNaN(hdlCholesterol) || isNaN(triglycerides)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid numbers for all fields.";
return;
}
if (triglycerides >= 400) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Friedewald formula is not accurate for triglycerides >= 400 mg/dL. Please consult your doctor.";
return;
}
if (totalCholesterol < hdlCholesterol) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Total Cholesterol cannot be less than HDL Cholesterol. Please check your input.";
return;
}
if (hdlCholesterol < 0 || triglycerides < 0 || totalCholesterol < 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "All input values must be non-negative. Please check your input.";
return;
}
var ldlValue = totalCholesterol – hdlCholesterol – (triglycerides / 5);
// Ensure LDL is not negative due to formula limitations or extreme inputs
if (ldlValue < 0) {
ldlValue = 0;
}
var interpretation = "";
if (ldlValue = 100 && ldlValue = 130 && ldlValue = 160 && ldlValue < 190) {
interpretation = "High";
} else {
interpretation = "Very High";
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Estimated LDL Cholesterol: