Cholesterol : Good versus Bad

There are several numbers to consider when determining your cholesterol health.

Your LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, is "bad" cholesterol; LDL transports cholesterol to your arteries and tissues.

HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, is "good" cholesterol; HDL transports cholesterol to the liver for disposal.

TC, or total cholesterol, and triglycerides are blood fat that are also important to your cholesterol count.

1. Divide your triglycerides number by 5. For example, if your triglycerides number is 180 :

you would divide 180 by 5 to equal 36.                                           

2.Subtract your HDL cholesterol from your TC.

Using the example, if your HDL cholesterol is 40 and your TC is 220 :

you would subtract 40 from 220 to equal 180.

3. Subtract the number you calculated in Step 1 (36) from the number your calculated in Step 2 (180).

In the example, 36 subtracted from 180 equals 144.

This number is your LDL cholesterol.

Ideally, your LDL cholesterol level should be less than 130. 

4. To determine your LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio, divide your LDL by your HDL.

Using the example, 144 divided by 40 equals 3.6.

An LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio of 3.3 to 4.4 is considered low risk

4.4 to 7.1 is an average risk

7.1 to 11.1 is moderate risk

11.1 or higher is high risk.

My HDL is....... 2.11

LDL ................3.30

Giving me a Ratio of...... 2.8

which is below Low Risk ................ :tongue:

Mapster ,

It is  important to pay attention to your TC and triglycerides counts, as these numbers also greatly influence your heart health.

A high-risk LDL to HDL cholesterol ratio means you are at a higher risk for plaque buildup in your arteries,

inflammation of your blood vessels, an overabundance of blood clotting,

advanced aging, heart disease and heart attack.