LDL/HDL Cholesterol Ratios
Another
cholesterol ratio that certain labs determine is the
LDL to
HDL ratio. These cholesterol ratios are sometimes used to help predict the chances of developing
heart disease. Such ratios compare levels of
bad cholesterol (LDL) to
good cholesterol (HDL). For LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios, the goal is to keep it below 3.5:1, with the ideal being under 2.5:1.
However, similar to the total/HDL cholesterol ratio, the medical community is divided on whether the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is better than absolute total cholesterol or LDL
cholesterol levels in predicting a person's risk for
heart disease. For treatment of
high cholesterol, using the absolute numbers for LDL and HDL is recommended.
HDL/LDL Cholesterol Ratios
HDL/LDL cholesterol ratios compare the level of good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL). In the case of HDL/LDL cholesterol ratios, the goal is to keep this ratio above .3:1, with the ideal being above .4:1.
Things to Remember Regarding Cholesterol Ratios
A person may receive several cholesterol ratios with his or her
cholesterol test results. However, in most cases, your healthcare provider will not use these ratios to determine if you have "healthy cholesterol." Instead, he or she will look at your LDL and HDL levels along with your other
risk factors for heart disease.
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