1. What is Cholesterol Ratio?

The cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. This ratio is used to assess cardiovascular risk, with lower ratios indicating better heart health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cholesterol ratio formula:

Where:

• \( TC \) — Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( HDL \) — HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: This simple ratio provides a quick assessment of cardiovascular risk, with optimal ratios typically below 5:1 for women.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is an important indicator of heart disease risk. A higher ratio suggests a greater risk of developing heart disease, while a lower ratio indicates better cardiovascular health.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol values in mg/dL. Both values must be greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good cholesterol ratio for women?
A: For women, a ratio below 4:1 is considered ideal, while a ratio above 7:1 indicates high risk.

Q2: How often should cholesterol levels be checked?
A: Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years, or more frequently if they have risk factors for heart disease.

Q3: Can lifestyle changes improve cholesterol ratio?
A: Yes, regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking can all help improve your cholesterol ratio.

Q4: Are there limitations to using only the cholesterol ratio?
A: While useful, the cholesterol ratio should be considered alongside other risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, and family history.

Q5: Should medication be considered for high cholesterol ratio?
A: Medication may be recommended if lifestyle changes aren't sufficient to improve your cholesterol levels, especially if you have other risk factors.