Total Cholesterol/HDL Cholesterol Ratio

High-density cholesterol (HDL) or good cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol, and 20 percent of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) sum up the total cholesterol of the body. The cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by HDL number. LDL cholesterol build-up causes heart attacks. A blood sample is taken and is sent to the lab for analysis.

The total healthy cholesterol range is below 200 mg/dL. The desirable ratio of total cholesterol /HDL cholesterol ratio is below 5:1. A ratio below 3.5:1 is good. Men, especially, have a twofold risk for heart diseases. A correct mix of diet, exercise, and medication are advised to bring the numbers into the desirable range.