Total Cholesterol Calculator

Total Cholesterol Calculator

The "bad" cholesterol that builds up in artery walls.

The "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the blood.

A type of fat found in your blood.

function calculateCholesterol() { var ldl = parseFloat(document.getElementById('ldl_val').value); var hdl = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hdl_val').value); var tri = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tri_val').value); var resultBox = document.getElementById('cholesterol-result-box'); var scoreDiv = document.getElementById('cholesterol-score'); var categoryDiv = document.getElementById('cholesterol-category'); var adviceDiv = document.getElementById('cholesterol-advice'); if (isNaN(ldl) || isNaN(hdl) || isNaN(tri) || ldl < 0 || hdl < 0 || tri < 0) { alert('Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.'); return; } // Formula: Total Cholesterol = LDL + HDL + (Triglycerides / 5) var total = ldl + hdl + (tri / 5); total = Math.round(total); resultBox.style.display = 'block'; scoreDiv.innerHTML = total + ' mg/dL'; if (total = 200 && total <= 239) { resultBox.style.backgroundColor = '#fff3cd'; categoryDiv.innerHTML = 'Borderline High'; categoryDiv.style.color = '#856404'; adviceDiv.innerHTML = 'Your levels are slightly elevated. Consider reducing saturated fats and increasing physical activity. Consult a healthcare provider for a full assessment.'; } else { resultBox.style.backgroundColor = '#f8d7da'; categoryDiv.innerHTML = 'High'; categoryDiv.style.color = '#721c24'; adviceDiv.innerHTML = 'Your total cholesterol is high, which may increase the risk of heart disease. It is strongly recommended to speak with a doctor to discuss lifestyle changes or medication.'; } }

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Understanding Your Cholesterol Numbers

Managing your heart health starts with understanding your lipid profile. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. While your body needs it to build cells, high levels of certain types of cholesterol can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Total Cholesterol Formula

Doctors calculate your total cholesterol using a specific mathematical relationship between the different components of your blood test. This calculator uses the standard medical formula:

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

What do the components mean?

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol. High levels lead to plaque buildup in your arteries (atherosclerosis).
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "good" cholesterol. It acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL away from the arteries and back to the liver for excretion.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood. When you eat, your body converts calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides.

Realistic Example Calculation

Imagine a patient receives the following results from a laboratory:

• LDL: 130 mg/dL
• HDL: 55 mg/dL
• Triglycerides: 150 mg/dL

Calculation: 130 + 55 + (150 / 5) = 130 + 55 + 30 = 215 mg/dL.

In this case, the result (215 mg/dL) falls into the Borderline High category, suggesting the patient should watch their diet and lifestyle choices.

Cholesterol Categories Table

Total Cholesterol Level	Category
Less than 200 mg/dL	Desirable / Healthy
200 – 239 mg/dL	Borderline High
240 mg/dL and above	High Risk

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cholesterol goals can vary based on individual health history, such as smoking status, blood pressure, or diabetes. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to interpret your lab results.