Cholesterol Ratio – The Important Cholesterol Number

Cholesterol is measured in many numbers. One of the most important ones is the cholesterol ratio. Since many people suffer from high cholesterol, two different approaches were devised to measure the condition. Scientists are on opposite sides of the fence.

The first theory accommodates the idea that only cholesterol numbers matter. Opposite that, scientists believe that the most important is the parameter ratio.

What is the ratio number?

The total cholesterol number adds high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) together. HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because it takes on the role of collecting fats from the organs and transferring them to the liver. From there they are excreted.

LDL is the “bad” cholesterol because it is the reverse of the process that HDL does. It zaps the cholesterol from the liver and sends it back to the organs and blood vessels. With high levels of LDL, a person is at risk for multiple life threatening issues. The master plan of LDL is to irritate the outer walls of the vessels. When this happens plaque builds inside the vessel preventing proper blood flow. This could lead to high blood pressure all the way to stroke.

VLDL is very low density lipoprotein. It works around the body until the main component, triglycerides are transferred to fat and muscle leaving the remains to be modified to LDL.

What are you reading when given a ratio?

Cholesterol ratio is easy to understand.  Once you are given your total cholesterol after a blood test, you will have three sets of numbers. First will be your total cholesterol, second will be your HDL level and lastly your ratio. Example, you have a total level of 300mg/dl and a HDL of 100mg/dl. Your final ratio is 3.1. This is a great ratio to have. This method of calculation is considered to be most important for cardio-vascular predictions.

100 mg/dl is an outstanding number to have. The norm is over 60mg/dl. Anything under that and you are putting yourself at risk. Your total cholesterol levels will normally be high due to levels of HDL or LDL. You want the first scenario always.

Studies have surmised that if your cholesterol goes up so does your risk of cardiac problems. The ranges normally used are: 3.3-4.4:1 is low risk, 4.4-7.1 is the norm, and 7.1-11.0 is upper borderline while over 11.1 are very dangerous.

The above is only part of what you need to know about your cholesterol ratio. To learn more ask your doctor.