What is ldlhdl ratio

Cholesterol levels are often used as a factor in estimating your risk of cardiovascular disease. When you get your cholesterol checked, your healthcare professional may look at several different results. One of these is your cholesterol ratio. Cholesterol ratio is a comparison of your total cholesterol to your HDL cholesterol, which is then used as a tool to predict your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the cells of the body. You need cholesterol in order to perform different functions in your body, however not all cholesterol is created equal.

Total cholesterol is a combined total measure of all the different types of cholesterol in your blood. Your cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. For example, if your total cholesterol is and your HDL is 60, your cholesterol ratio is 3.

The higher the number, the higher your risk of heart disease. Some doctors now prefer using your non-HDL cholesterol level rather than your cholesterol ratio in determining heart disease risk.

However, it seems that both non-HDL cholesterol and cholesterol ratio appear to be better heart disease risk predictors than total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol levels alone. The optimal cholesterol ratio is between 3. A cholesterol ratio within the normal range means that your cholesterol levels are likely not contributing to cardiac risk. The higher your cholesterol ratio is, the greater your risk of heart disease.

Both the body and heart can be affected when cholesterol levels are not at normal levels. Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood can cause a type of heart disease called atherosclerosis. This is a condition in which the flow of blood to the heart muscle is slowed, and it can even stop blood from getting to the heart altogether, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

If you want to improve your cholesterol levels, one of the best things you can do is to make lifestyle changes, such as with your diet and exercise. Below are lifestyle habits you can change to help get cholesterol levels within normal ranges:. If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lower your cholesterol, you may also need to take cholesterol medication.

Statins are the most common class of medications used to lower cholesterol. However, several different types of cholesterol-lowering medicines are available. The various medications work to lower cholesterol in different ways and can have different side effects.

Do not stop taking your cholesterol medication if you feel a medication is not right for you. Cholesterol-lowering medications work best as you continue to implement heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Cholesterol ratio may be one of the tests reported when your healthcare professional checks your risk for heart disease. It is calculated from total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. A lower number indicates lower risk, with the optimal level being between 3.

Cholesterol ratio is used as just one piece of information to determine your risk for heart disease. HDL vs. LDL cholesterol. What are the ideal ranges? Total cholesterol to HDL ratios. Causes of high LDL cholesterol. How to reduce LDL levels. How to increase HDL levels.

Share on Pinterest HDL cholesterol levels may be improved by eating oily fish, such as mackerel. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Statins: How safe are they?

Cholesterol ratio: How does it affect your body, and is it important? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Can my HDL be too high? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Is it possible to unclog your arteries? Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN. All you need to know about egg yolk.

Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Afterward, the site may be sore. Many things can affect your results. These include medicines, diet, physical activity, pregnancy, and recent heart attacks.

You will need to not eat or drink anything but water for 9 to 12 hours before this test. Also let your healthcare provider know if:. Be sure your provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.

Search Encyclopedia. Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats lipids. Why do I need this test? What do my test results mean? In general: The higher the ratio, the higher the risk. Most healthcare providers want the ratio to be below A ratio below 3. How is this test done? Does this test pose any risks?