Your total cholesterol level can help determine your risk of suffering a cardiovascular event in the future. Learning how to calculate your cholesterol is the first step in implementing dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce your risk. In addition to your total cholesterol level, the specific level of each type of cholesterol in your blood, your age and medical history, and numerous other risk factors all contribute to your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Step 1
Get your blood cholesterol levels tested. You will need to fast before having your blood drawn, which means no eating for nine to 12 hours prior to testing. Sneaking just one snack during this time will alter your test results and make it impossible to accurately calculate your cholesterol.
Step 2
Determine your level of LDL, which is the "bad" type of cholesterol, as soon as your tests results are back. High LDL levels indicate an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Levels below 100 mg/dL are ideal, but levels between 100 and 129 are typically considered safe.
Step 3
Locate the level of HDL, which is the "good" cholesterol, on your test results. Ideally, your HDL level should be greater than 60 mg/dL. Levels less than 40 mg/dL significantly increase your risk of heart disease, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Step 4
Add your LDL and HDL levels together to obtain your total cholesterol number. Levels less than 200 mg/dL are healthy. Anything above that level requires attention.
Step 5
Divide your LDL number by your HDL to get your LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. The result should be 3.5 or below.
Step 6
Discuss the results of your cholesterol test with your doctor. A total cholesterol level greater than 240 mg/dL means you are twice as likely as someone with a level below 200 mg/dL to develop heart disease. If you currently suffer from diabetes or heart disease, your doctor may recommend a target cholesterol level of 190 mg/dL or lower.
