Making Sense of Cholesterol Ratios, Lipid Profiles and Your Heart Disease Risk Scores

You want a low ratio of cholesterol to HDL.  A ratio lower than 4.5 is good, but 2 or 3 is best.  You can calculate your cholesterol to HDL ratio by dividing total cholesterol by HDL.  For example, your total cholesterol is 195 and your HDL is 55.  195 divided by 55 equals a ratio of 3.5.

It's actually not your total cholesterol that has the greatest impact on your heart disease risk.  The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is a critical factor.  If your total cholesterol is less than 200, but your ratio is 5, you are still at increased risk for developing heart disease.

LDL: HDL Ratio

This ratio compares the amount of bad (LDL) cholesterol to your good (HDL) cholesterol levels.  You want a ratio less than 3.5, ideally less than 2.5. To calculate your ratio, divide LDL by HDL.  For example, your HDL is 55 and LDL is 100.  100 divided by 55 equals a ratio of 1.8. 

Triglyceride : HDL Ratio

A low ratio of triglycerides to HDL is best, ideally less than 2.  To calculate your triglyceride to HDL ratio, divide your triglycerides by your HDL.  For example, your triglyceride level is 200 and your HDL is 55.  200 divided by 55 equals a ratio of 3.6.

Lipid profiles are commonly ordered to assess your heart disease risk.  Your doctor or dietitian will use the results to determine the best treatment to reduce your risk.

A lipid profile is beneficial, because you know your "good" cholesterol level and "bad" cholesterol levels.  The interventions that work best to raise HDL and lower LDL differ, so knowing all your numbers helps you make the most effective changes.

You're probably wondering why a lipid profile isn't always ordered versus simply checking your total cholesterol (and possibly HDL).  Cost and time always play a part and if your risk for heart disease is low, then a quick and less expensive screening makes sense.  If you are at increased risk, a more complete assessment (lipid profile) may be more appropriate.  Everyone's situation is unique, so it's best to discuss what's right for you with your MD.

Related posts:

Lipoprotein Testing: Why it's So Important and Where You Can Get it Done

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Correct Heart Disease through Your Thyroid: Learn How

Heart Scan Mix-Up: What You Need to Know

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