Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in some foods and in your bloodstream. Your body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly. However, excess cholesterol causes plaque to narrow your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease. There are different kinds of cholesterol and each affects your health differently. To determine your risk of cardiovascular disease and how to reduce your cholesterol levels, you can calculate your cholesterol ratio.
HDL Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, is known as good cholesterol. HDL cholesterol absorbs cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it back to the liver, where it is processed for excretion or reutilization for the body, ultimately lowering your cholesterol levels. High levels of this good cholesterol help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, makes up the majority of the body's cholesterol. It is manufactured in your liver, primarily from the food you eat. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy and other fatty foods contribute to your LDL cholesterol production. LDL cholesterol circulates in your blood and is stored in your body's cells. As your LDL levels increase, it can cause narrowing of your artery walls and eventually blockages. LDL is identified as bad cholesterol because a buildup can result in heart disease.
Total-to-HDL Cholesterol Ratio
The total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio is determined by dividing the HDL cholesterol into the total cholesterol. Total cholesterol is a combination of low-density, very low-density and high-density lipoproteins in your bloodstream. For example, if you have an HDL level of 50 mg/dL and a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dl, your cholesterol ratio would be 4:1. In general, a total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio of 4.3 or higher is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
HDL-to-LDL Cholesterol Ratio
An alternative method is to measure the ratio between HDL and LDL cholesterol. This method compares your good cholesterol to your bad cholesterol, rather than your good cholesterol to your total cholesterol. To calculate this ratio, divide your HDL by your LDL levels. For example, if your HDL is 40 and your LDL is 129, your ratio would be 3.2. In general, a ratio of greater than 2.5 is associated with an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Improving Your Ratios
There are certain steps you can take to lower your cholesterol ratio and decrease your risk of heart disease. It is important to eat a balanced diet that emphasizes plenty of fruits and vegetables and maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Get a blood test often to monitor your cholesterol levels.
References
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: LDL and HDL
- Ezilon.com; The New and Improved Cholesterol Ratio; Jacob Mabille; September 4, 2006
- American Heart Association: Cholesterol Ratio
- eMed TV: Cholesterol l/HDL Ratio; Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D.; April 20, 2009
- AboutYourCholesterol.com: The Cholesterol Level Scale
