The cholesterol retention fraction is calculated using the number of your "good" cholesterol and "bad" cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered good cholesterol because it transports cholesterol from your arteries to your liver to be removed from your body. A healthy level of HDL for men is greater than or equal to 40 mg/dL in men. Women should have HDL reading 50 mg/dL or greater.
LDL is what circulates cholesterol in the body and too much of it can lead to blood clots. Blood clots can cause heart attacks and strokes if blocking blood flow to the brain or heart. Having less than 70 mg/dL of LDL is ideal.
How to Calculate Cholestrol Rentention Fraction
Step 1
Determine your HDL and LDL cholesterol numbers by getting your cholesterol tested. Schedule a test with your doctor. Local grocery stores and pharmacies sometimes offer free or inexpensive cholesterol tests as well. Order a complete test, not a basic test, to get your individual HDL and LDL levels.
Step 2
Take your LDL number and subtract the HDL number from it.
Step 3
Divide the sum from Step 2 by your LDL to get your cholesterol retention fraction. The total formula should look like this (LDL-HDL)/LDL.
Tips and Warnings
- Exercise can help lower your cholesterol. Daily bouts of moderate intensity exercise such as gardening, walking, swimming, dancing and washing your car can lower your cholesterol and your risk for heart disease. Quitting smoking also has positive effects on cholesterol.
- A cholesterol retention fraction of greater than 0.70 could indicate a health risk. Ask your physician about everything you can do to lower your cholesterol. Do not use an at-home cholesterol test as a cheaper alternative than going to your doctor. Although they are easy to use, cost around $14 and can be picked up from your local pharmacy, these tests do not give you information on your HDL and LDL counts separately, which you need for the calculation.
Things You'll Need
- Calculator
