Cholesterol Ratio Calculator

Cholesterol Ratio Calculator

function calculateCholesterolRatios() { var totalCholesterol = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalCholesterol').value); var hdlCholesterol = parseFloat(document.getElementById('hdlCholesterol').value); var triglycerides = parseFloat(document.getElementById('triglycerides').value); var totalHdlRatioResultDiv = document.getElementById('totalHdlRatioResult'); var trigHdlRatioResultDiv = document.getElementById('trigHdlRatioResult'); var nonHdlResultDiv = document.getElementById('nonHdlResult'); totalHdlRatioResultDiv.innerHTML = "; trigHdlRatioResultDiv.innerHTML = "; nonHdlResultDiv.innerHTML = "; if (isNaN(totalCholesterol) || totalCholesterol <= 0) { totalHdlRatioResultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid positive Total Cholesterol value.'; return; } if (isNaN(hdlCholesterol) || hdlCholesterol <= 0) { totalHdlRatioResultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid positive HDL Cholesterol value.'; return; } // Calculate Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio var totalHdlRatio = totalCholesterol / hdlCholesterol; var totalHdlInterpretation = "; if (totalHdlRatio < 3.5) { totalHdlInterpretation = '(Excellent)'; } else if (totalHdlRatio >= 3.5 && totalHdlRatio <= 5.0) { totalHdlInterpretation = '(Good to Average)'; } else { totalHdlInterpretation = '(High Risk)'; } totalHdlRatioResultDiv.innerHTML = 'Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio: ' + totalHdlRatio.toFixed(2) + ' ' + totalHdlInterpretation; // Calculate Triglycerides to HDL Ratio (if triglycerides provided) if (!isNaN(triglycerides) && triglycerides > 0) { var trigHdlRatio = triglycerides / hdlCholesterol; var trigHdlInterpretation = "; if (trigHdlRatio < 2.0) { trigHdlInterpretation = '(Optimal)'; } else if (trigHdlRatio >= 2.0 && trigHdlRatio <= 4.0) { trigHdlInterpretation = '(Good to Borderline)'; } else { trigHdlInterpretation = '(High Risk)'; } trigHdlRatioResultDiv.innerHTML = 'Triglycerides / HDL Ratio: ' + trigHdlRatio.toFixed(2) + ' ' + trigHdlInterpretation; } else if (document.getElementById('triglycerides').value !== ") { trigHdlRatioResultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid positive Triglycerides value if you wish to calculate this ratio.'; } // Calculate Non-HDL Cholesterol var nonHdlCholesterol = totalCholesterol – hdlCholesterol; var nonHdlInterpretation = "; if (nonHdlCholesterol < 130) { nonHdlInterpretation = '(Optimal)'; } else if (nonHdlCholesterol >= 130 && nonHdlCholesterol < 160) { nonHdlInterpretation = '(Near Optimal)'; } else if (nonHdlCholesterol >= 160 && nonHdlCholesterol < 190) { nonHdlInterpretation = '(Borderline High)'; } else { nonHdlInterpretation = '(High)'; } nonHdlResultDiv.innerHTML = 'Non-HDL Cholesterol: ' + nonHdlCholesterol.toFixed(0) + ' mg/dL ' + nonHdlInterpretation; }

Understanding Your Cholesterol Ratios

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells in your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. However, too much cholesterol can pose a risk to your health, particularly your cardiovascular system.

Types of Cholesterol

• Total Cholesterol: The sum of all cholesterol in your blood.
• HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries, transporting it back to the liver for removal from the body. Higher HDL levels are generally better.
• LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol, LDL contributes to fatty buildups in arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Lower LDL levels are generally better.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat found in your blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease.

Why Cholesterol Ratios Matter

While individual cholesterol numbers are important, ratios provide a more comprehensive picture of your cardiovascular risk. They indicate the balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol components, which can be a stronger predictor of heart disease than total cholesterol alone.

1. Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio

This is one of the most commonly used ratios. It's calculated by dividing your Total Cholesterol by your HDL Cholesterol. A lower ratio indicates a better balance and lower risk.

• Optimal: Less than 3.5
• Good to Average: 3.5 to 5.0
• High Risk: Greater than 5.0

For example, if your Total Cholesterol is 200 mg/dL and your HDL is 50 mg/dL, your ratio is 4.0. This falls into the "Good to Average" category.

2. Triglycerides to HDL Ratio

This ratio is gaining recognition as a powerful indicator of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, both of which increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A lower ratio is generally preferred.

• Optimal: Less than 2.0
• Good to Borderline: 2.0 to 4.0
• High Risk: Greater than 4.0

If your Triglycerides are 150 mg/dL and your HDL is 50 mg/dL, your ratio is 3.0, indicating a "Good to Borderline" risk.

3. Non-HDL Cholesterol

Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting your HDL cholesterol from your Total Cholesterol (Total Cholesterol – HDL Cholesterol). This value includes all the "bad" forms of cholesterol (LDL, VLDL, etc.) and is considered a very strong predictor of cardiovascular risk, especially for individuals with high triglycerides.

• Optimal: Less than 130 mg/dL
• Near Optimal: 130-159 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 160-189 mg/dL
• High: 190 mg/dL and above

Using the previous example (Total Cholesterol 200 mg/dL, HDL 50 mg/dL), your Non-HDL Cholesterol would be 150 mg/dL, which is considered "Near Optimal."

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized recommendations regarding your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.