Cholesterol is a waxy substance that accumulates in your blood vessels. As your blood vessels narrow, your risk of having a heart attack or stroke increases greatly. Your body produces cholesterol and you gain it from the foods you eat.. There are two cholesterol ratios that will give you and your doctor an indication of how much at risk you are for illnesses related to elevated cholesterol. These ratios are total cholesterol to HDL, or bad cholesterol; and LDL or good cholesterol to HDL.
Step 1
Divide your total cholesterol level number by your HDL cholesterol level number. The result is your ratio of total cholesterol to bad cholesterol. If your total cholesterol were 380, for example, and your HDL cholesterol were 90, your ratio would be 4.2. The recommended target for this ratio is 4.2 or less. Ratios of 4.3 or higher indicate increased risk for illness.
Step 2
Divide your LDL cholesterol level number by your HDL cholesterol level number. The result is your ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol. If your LDL cholesterol were 200, for example, and your HDL were 90, your ratio would be 2.2. The recommended target for this ratio is 2.5 or less. Ratios of 2.6 or higher indicate increase risk for illness.
Step 3
Double-check your math for accuracy.
Step 4
If your ratios indicate increased risk, talk to your doctor about adopting a healthy diet and exercise program and whether or not you may need medication.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your doctor to order a full lipid panel regularly, especially if there is a history of heart disease or stroke in your family.
- Total cholesterol levels are as important as your ratios; in the above examples, even though the ratios are good, the total cholesterol level would be considered excessively high. Do not attempt a diet free from all sources of fat in an attempt to lower your cholesterol; your body needs healthy fats to function properly.
Things You'll Need
- Total Cholesterol Level
- HDL Cholesterol Level
- LDL Cholesterol Level
