Calculate Cholesterol

Cholesterol Level Calculator

Enter your cholesterol values above and click "Calculate" to see your estimated LDL, VLDL, and Total/HDL ratio.

function calculateCholesterol() { var totalC = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalCholesterol').value); var hdlC = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hdlCholesterol').value); var trig = parseFloat(document.getElementById('triglycerides').value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('cholesterolResult'); var output = "; if (isNaN(totalC) || isNaN(hdlC) || isNaN(trig) || totalC <= 0 || hdlC <= 0 || trig <= 0) { output = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all cholesterol values.'; } else { var vldlC = trig / 5; var ldlC; var ratio = totalC / hdlC; if (trig < 400) { ldlC = totalC – hdlC – vldlC; output += 'Calculated LDL Cholesterol: ' + ldlC.toFixed(1) + ' mg/dL'; } else { ldlC = 'Cannot be accurately calculated with triglycerides ≥ 400 mg/dL using the Friedewald equation. A direct LDL measurement is recommended.'; output += 'Calculated LDL Cholesterol: ' + ldlC + "; } output += 'Calculated VLDL Cholesterol: ' + vldlC.toFixed(1) + ' mg/dL'; output += 'Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: ' + ratio.toFixed(2) + "; output += '

Interpretation of Results:

'; output += '

'; // Interpret LDL if (typeof ldlC === 'number') { if (ldlC < 100) { output += '
• LDL Cholesterol: Optimal (<100 mg/dL) – Lower risk of heart disease.
'; } else if (ldlC >= 100 && ldlC <= 129) { output += '
• LDL Cholesterol: Near Optimal (100-129 mg/dL) – Good, but keep an eye on it.
'; } else if (ldlC >= 130 && ldlC <= 159) { output += '
• LDL Cholesterol: Borderline High (130-159 mg/dL) – May increase heart disease risk.
'; } else if (ldlC >= 160 && ldlC <= 189) { output += '
• LDL Cholesterol: High (160-189 mg/dL) – Increased risk of heart disease.
'; } else { // ldlC >= 190 output += '
• LDL Cholesterol: Very High (≥190 mg/dL) – Significantly increased risk of heart disease.
'; } } else { output += '
• LDL Cholesterol: Interpretation not available due to high triglyceride levels.
'; } // Interpret HDL if (hdlC >= 60) { output += '
• HDL Cholesterol: Excellent (≥60 mg/dL) – Protective against heart disease.
'; } else if (hdlC >= 40 && hdlC <= 59) { output += '
• HDL Cholesterol: Acceptable (40-59 mg/dL) – Good, but higher is better.
'; } else { // hdlC < 40 output += '
• HDL Cholesterol: Poor (<40 mg/dL) – Increased risk of heart disease.
'; } // Interpret Triglycerides if (trig < 150) { output += '
• Triglycerides: Normal (<150 mg/dL) – Healthy level.
'; } else if (trig >= 150 && trig <= 199) { output += '
• Triglycerides: Borderline High (150-199 mg/dL) – May need lifestyle changes.
'; } else if (trig >= 200 && trig <= 499) { output += '
• Triglycerides: High (200-499 mg/dL) – Increased risk of heart disease.
'; } else { // trig >= 500 output += '
• Triglycerides: Very High (≥500 mg/dL) – Significantly increased risk of heart disease.
'; } // Interpret VLDL if (vldlC < 40) { output += '
• VLDL Cholesterol: Normal (<40 mg/dL) – Healthy level.
'; } else { output += '
• VLDL Cholesterol: Elevated (≥40 mg/dL) – May indicate higher risk.
'; } // Interpret Total/HDL Ratio if (ratio < 3.5) { output += '
• Total/HDL Ratio: Optimal (<3.5) – Lower risk.
'; } else if (ratio >= 3.5 && ratio <= 5) { output += '
• Total/HDL Ratio: Average (3.5-5) – Moderate risk.
'; } else { // ratio > 5 output += '
• Total/HDL Ratio: High Risk (>5) – Increased risk of heart disease.
'; } output += '

'; output += 'Note: These calculations and interpretations are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.'; } resultDiv.innerHTML = output; }

Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of your body. Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. While essential, too much cholesterol can pose a significant health risk, particularly for heart disease.

The Different Types of Cholesterol

When you get a cholesterol test, often called a lipid panel, it typically measures several components:

• Total Cholesterol: This is the sum of all cholesterol in your blood.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Often called "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries and transport it back to the liver for removal from the body. Higher levels are generally better.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Known as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, narrowing them and increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lower levels are generally better.
• Triglycerides: These are a type of fat in your blood. High triglyceride levels, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart disease.
• VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Similar to LDL, VLDL also contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. Its primary role is to carry triglycerides.

How the Calculator Works

Our Cholesterol Level Calculator helps you estimate your LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels, as well as your Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio, based on your Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, and Triglyceride readings. It uses the widely accepted Friedewald equation for calculating LDL cholesterol:

LDL = Total Cholesterol – HDL – (Triglycerides / 5)

This equation is generally accurate when triglyceride levels are below 400 mg/dL. If your triglyceride levels are 400 mg/dL or higher, the calculator will indicate that LDL cannot be accurately estimated, and a direct LDL measurement from your lab report would be necessary.

VLDL cholesterol is often estimated as one-fifth of your triglyceride level:

VLDL = Triglycerides / 5

The Total Cholesterol/HDL ratio is another useful metric, providing a quick indicator of your overall cholesterol balance.

What Do Your Numbers Mean? (General Guidelines)

While individual targets may vary based on your health history and risk factors, here are general guidelines for adults:

• Total Cholesterol:
  • Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL
  • Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL
  • High: 240 mg/dL and above
• HDL Cholesterol:
  • Poor: Less than 40 mg/dL
  • Better: 40-59 mg/dL
  • Excellent (Protective): 60 mg/dL and above
• LDL Cholesterol:
  • Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  • Near Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
  • Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
  • High: 160-189 mg/dL
  • Very High: 190 mg/dL and above
• Triglycerides:
  • Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
  • Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL
  • High: 200-499 mg/dL
  • Very High: 500 mg/dL and above
• VLDL Cholesterol:
  • Normal: 5-40 mg/dL
• Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio:
  • Optimal: Less than 3.5
  • Average: 3.5-5
  • High Risk: Greater than 5

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimated values and general interpretations for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your specific cholesterol levels, health risks, and appropriate management strategies. Lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and sometimes medication can help manage cholesterol levels effectively.