About the Cholesterol Risk Calculator
What is the Cholesterol Risk Calculator?
A lipid profile reports total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. The cholesterol ratio – total cholesterol divided by HDL – combines the "bad" and "good" parts into one useful risk marker.
If your report does not show LDL, the calculator estimates it with the Friedewald equation. Each value is compared with the NCEP ATP III categories.
How to use the Cholesterol Risk Calculator
- Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) (sample: 205)
- HDL – "good" cholesterol (mg/dL) (sample: 42)
- LDL – "bad" cholesterol (mg/dL, 0 to estimate) (sample: 0)
- Triglycerides (mg/dL) (sample: 160)
- Press Check Cholesterol (results also refresh as you type). The result card shows the Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio, along with Ratio reading, LDL (Friedewald estimate), Non-HDL cholesterol and Triglyceride / HDL ratio.
Formula used
Cholesterol ratio = Total cholesterol ÷ HDL
- Friedewald LDL = total − HDL − triglycerides ÷ 5 (valid when triglycerides are under 400 mg/dL)
- Non-HDL = total − HDL
Indian guidelines often set lower LDL targets for people with diabetes or heart disease. This is a screening estimate for general information, not a diagnosis. Discuss your results with a doctor.
Worked example
These are the sample values already filled in the calculator above, and the result it returns for them:
| Input | Sample value |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) | 205 |
| HDL – "good" cholesterol (mg/dL) | 42 |
| LDL – "bad" cholesterol (mg/dL, 0 to estimate) | 0 |
| Triglycerides (mg/dL) | 160 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio | 4.88 |
| Ratio reading | Acceptable (3.5–5) |
| LDL (Friedewald estimate) | 131 mg/dL |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | 163 mg/dL |
| Triglyceride / HDL ratio | 3.81 |
Tips for using the Cholesterol Risk Calculator
- Test after a 9–12 hour fast for accurate triglycerides.
- Regular exercise raises HDL; cutting sugar and refined carbs lowers triglycerides.