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LDL HDL Ratio Calculator

Calculate your LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio to assess cardiovascular disease risk. Get accurate results based on commonly cited clinical thresholds with detailed risk assessment and personalized recommendations.

Calculate Your LDL/HDL Ratio

Enter your cholesterol values to assess cardiovascular risk

Unit
LDL Cholesterol (Required)

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

HDL Cholesterol (Required)

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Total Cholesterol (Optional)

Used for LDL calculation via Friedewald formula

Triglycerides (Optional)

Used for LDL calculation via Friedewald formula

Your Results

2
LDL/HDL Ratio
Optimal ratio - low cardiovascular risk
Risk Level: optimal

Cholesterol Values (mg/dL)

LDL
100
HDL
50
Total Cholesterol
170
Triglycerides
100

Recommendations

  • Maintain current lifestyle and diet
  • Continue regular exercise
  • Keep up with annual health checkups

LDL/HDL Ratio Risk Categories

Optimal< 2.5

Low cardiovascular risk

  • • Maintain current lifestyle
  • • Continue regular checkups
  • • Keep up healthy habits
Borderline High2.5 - 3.5

Moderate risk

  • • Implement lifestyle changes
  • • Consider medical consultation
  • • Regular monitoring needed
High Risk3.5 - 4.0

Elevated cardiovascular risk

  • • Immediate intervention needed
  • • Consult healthcare provider
  • • Consider medication evaluation
Very High Risk> 4.0

Significantly elevated risk

  • • Urgent medical consultation
  • • Comprehensive assessment needed
  • • Consider aggressive treatment

How to Calculate LDL/HDL Ratio

Basic Formula

LDL/HDL Ratio = LDL Cholesterol ÷ HDL Cholesterol
Reference: Common clinical thresholds

Friedewald Formula (Optional)

LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides ÷ 5)
Reference: Friedewald WT, et al. Clin Chem. 1972;18(6):499-502
Note: Only accurate when triglycerides < 400 mg/dL

Calculation Steps:

  1. 1
    Obtain cholesterol values
    From blood test results (LDL and HDL required)
  2. 2
    Convert units if necessary
    Ensure both values are in the same unit (mg/dL or mmol/L)
  3. 3
    Calculate the ratio
    Divide LDL by HDL to get the ratio
  4. 4
    Assess risk level
    Compare ratio to established risk categories

Important Considerations

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates based on established guidelines. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice and interpretation of results.

🧬 Individual Variations

Cholesterol levels can vary significantly between individuals

  • • Genetics and family history
  • • Age and gender differences
  • • Lifestyle and dietary factors
💪 Lifestyle Impact

Diet and exercise significantly affect cholesterol levels

  • • Regular exercise increases HDL
  • • Heart-healthy diet lowers LDL
  • • Weight management is crucial
🍽️ Dietary Factors

Food choices directly impact cholesterol levels

  • • Reduce saturated and trans fats
  • • Increase fiber intake
  • • Choose healthy fats (omega-3s)
⚕️ Medical Conditions

Certain conditions affect cholesterol metabolism

  • • Diabetes and insulin resistance
  • • Thyroid disorders
  • • Kidney and liver disease

Example Cases

Case 1: Healthy Adult with Optimal Ratio

Cholesterol Values:
LDL: 90 mg/dL
HDL: 60 mg/dL
Total: 180 mg/dL
Calculation:
Ratio: 90 ÷ 60 = 1.5
Risk Level: Optimal
Assessment: Low cardiovascular risk

Interpretation: This individual has an excellent cholesterol profile with a ratio well below the optimal threshold of 2.5.

Case 2: Borderline High Risk Individual

Cholesterol Values:
LDL: 150 mg/dL
HDL: 45 mg/dL
Total: 220 mg/dL
Calculation:
Ratio: 150 ÷ 45 = 3.33
Risk Level: Borderline High
Assessment: Moderate cardiovascular risk

Interpretation: This individual should consider lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring to improve their cholesterol profile.

Related Calculators

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LDL/HDL ratio and why is it important?
LDL/HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your LDL cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. This ratio is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease risk. A lower ratio indicates better heart health, while higher ratios suggest increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
What is considered a normal LDL/HDL ratio?
Commonly cited clinical thresholds suggest an optimal LDL/HDL ratio is less than 2.5. Ratios between 2.5-3.5 are considered borderline high, 3.5-4.0 are high risk, and above 4.0 are very high risk for cardiovascular disease.
How can I improve my LDL/HDL ratio?
To improve your ratio: 1) Increase HDL through regular aerobic exercise, 2) Lower LDL through a heart-healthy diet (reduce saturated fats, increase fiber), 3) Maintain a healthy weight, 4) Avoid smoking, 5) Consider medication if lifestyle changes aren't sufficient.
What is the Friedewald formula used for?
The Friedewald formula (LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - Triglycerides/5) is used to estimate LDL cholesterol when direct measurement isn't available. It's only accurate when triglycerides are below 400 mg/dL. This calculator uses it when you provide total cholesterol and triglyceride values.
How do I convert between mg/dL and mmol/L?
Cholesterol (LDL/HDL/Total): mmol/L × 38.67 = mg/dL. Triglycerides: mmol/L × 88.57 = mg/dL. This calculator automatically handles unit conversion, so you can input values in either unit and get accurate results.
LDL HDL Ratio Calculator