There are two types of cholesterol -- the "good" HDL cholesterol and the "bad" LDL cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is used to remove excess cholesterol from your cells and take it to your liver to be used in digestion or eliminated from your body. The more HDL cholesterol you have, the lower your risk of heart disease. Too much low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, can clog your arteries and raise your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Your LDL/HDL ratio is a tool to assess your potential risk.
The Importance of HDL Cholesterol
The higher your HDL cholesterol, the lower your LDL cholesterol level and the lower your risk of coronary artery disease. At least 60 mg/dL is ideal, and women with less than 50 mg/dL and men with less than 40 mg/dL may be at higher risk for heart disease. You can raise your HDL cholesterol level by exercising five days a week for at least 30 minutes per day.
The Dangers of LDL CHolesterol
When LDL cholesterol builds up in your bloodstream, it can cling to the walls of your arteries and form plaque. As this plaque hardens, it narrows your arteries and restricts blood flow. If your heart doesn't have the oxygen-rich blood it needs, you may suffer chest pains, called angina, or heart disease. Sometimes, a piece of plaque can separate from the artery wall and form a blood clot, which can totally block the artery and cause a heart attack. The lower your LDL levels, the better -- ideally LDL levels should be between 100 and 129 mg/dL. If you have other risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may advise that you aim for LDL levels between 70 and 100 mg/dL. LDL levels above 160 mg/dL are considered high.
Calculating Your Cholesterol Ratio
Once you know both your HDL and LDL levels, simply divide your total cholesterol level by your HDL level. If your total cholesterol level is 200 mg/dL, your HDL level is 50 mg/dL and your LDL level is 150 mg/dL, then your cholesterol ratio is 4:1. A 4:1 ratio is ideal -- anything higher indicates an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke. Although the ratio is a useful tool in understanding your risk, knowing all three numbers -- the total, the "good" and the "bad" -- can help you choose a treatment option for improving your overall cholesterol health.
Lowering Your LDL Levels
Lowering your LDL cholesterol level will lower your total cholesterol number and improve your ratio. If you are overweight, losing weight will improve your cholesterol. Limit dietary cholesterol, saturated fat and trans fat; quit smoking; eat foods high in soluble fiber, including oats, vegetables and fruits; and choose low-fat dairy products. If diet and lifestyle changes aren't enough to lower your total cholesterol level, you may need to take a statin drug, such as atorvastatin, or Lipitor; rosuvastatin, or Crestor; or simvastatin, or Zocor.
