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Cholesterol Ratio Calculator

Evaluate the total-to-HDL ratio that predicts cardiac risk.

Lipid panel
mg/dL
mg/dL
mg/dL

Total ÷ HDL ratio

3.5

Interpretation

Ideal

HDL

Typical

LDL category

Near optimal

Reference ranges for adults; interpretation and treatment decisions belong with your clinician.

Why the ratio

Total cholesterol alone hides the split between LDL (delivers cholesterol to artery walls) and HDL (hauls it back). The total-to-HDL ratio captures the balance: under 3.5 is ideal, over 5 signals elevated cardiac risk — sometimes despite a 'normal' total.

Moving the numbers

LDL responds most to saturated-fat reduction and statins; HDL rises with exercise and falls with smoking; triglycerides track sugar, alcohol, and weight. Modern guidelines increasingly emphasize ApoB and LDL directly, but the ratio remains a solid first-pass screen.

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