When you have your cholesterol tested, your doctor may emphasize two particular cholesterols to consider, HDL and LDL. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is the so-called "good" cholesterol to have. It picks up excess cholesterols in your blood and bring it to your liver for use and excretion. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a not-so-good cholesterol to have in excess. It carries cholesterol around your bloodstream and brings it to the cells that need it. If it's in excess, LDL travels in your bloodstream and can lead to the buildup of plaque on your arterial walls, which may ultimately lead to a heart attack.
Calculating Your Ratio
Your LDL to HDL ratio is a determination of the amount of bad to good cholesterol that you have. You can determine what your ratio is with a little math. Simply divide your HDL cholesterol by your amount of LDL cholesterol.
Normal Ratios
Certain ranges for men and women dictate if your ratio is healthy or unhealthy. For men, a ratio of 1 is considered good and a very low risk of heart disease. Still good, but an average risk of heart disease is a ratio of around 3.6, a moderate risk is up to 6.3, and a high risk of heart disease is a ratio of 8, for a male.
If you are a woman, the ratio differs slightly since women are expected to have higher HDL levels than men. A low risk of heart disease is a ratio of 1.5. Average risk is a 3.2, moderate risk is a ratio of 5.0, and a high risk is 6.1.
Significance
Although LDL to HDL ratio is an indication of your amount of unsafe-to-safe cholesterol and can help determine your risk of developing heart disease, it is not the best way to determine your risk. According to the American Heart Association, using absolute values of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol are more useful to your doctor than using ratios. Both types of cholesterol have an impact on your health. For your doctor to properly treat or advise you, knowing exactly what your cholesterol measure is will prove more effective than a ratio.
Changing Your Cholesterol Levels
If you are unhappy with your cholesterol, you can help improve your LDL and HDL levels. Eat a high-fiber diet that limits your calorie intake, fat and cholesterol to reduce your LDL and raise your HDL. Regular exercise can also help. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends participating in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to help raise your HDL and lower your LDL. Controlling your weight is another way to improve your cholesterol. Carrying around extra fat increases your LDL and decreases your HDL.
References
- Mayo Clinic.com; Cholesterol Ratio: Is it Important?; Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.; January 8, 2010
- American Heart Association; Cholesterol Ratio
- "Exercise Physiology"; George A. Brooks, Thomas D. Fahey, Kenneth M. Baldwin; 2005
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol; June 2005
- Ex Rx.net; Blood Cholesterol; May 2001
