LDL Cholesterol Goal Level Calculator
The cholesterol produced naturally by our bodies is important in synthesizing hormones and regulates our bodies’ normal functioning. Although the liver produces cholesterol, certain food items are responsible for increasing the cholesterol level. Once the level rises to a specific extent, it may result in several health complications.
The doctors and healthcare providers determine the cholesterol ratio with the help of certain blood tests. Due to the increased rate of health issues due to an upsurge in blood cholesterol levels, it is suggested by doctors to check your cholesterol level at least once every three years.
With the help of a cholesterol ratio calculator, we make it easy for you to instantly determine your cholesterol level at home after putting in the required values. While making calculations, remember that the results estimated from this calculator are not equal to a doctor’s consultation and that you should not completely rely on the results if you significantly observe the rising cholesterol symptoms in your body.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance with a waxy consistency and is present in almost all body cells. Since the body naturally produces it for the hormones’ synthesis and to help the body digest complex food, you cannot always call it a ‘bad’ substance for your body. Without cholesterol, your body will not get enough boost for the synthesis of hormones, and there are a few other medical complications, such as depression and anxiety, which are related to low blood cholesterol levels.
We know that protein is the building block of our body, and similarly, protein is the carrier of cholesterol in our body. LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol are the basic types of cholesterol, and if any of these are distressed or fluctuate, it can lead to several health risks.
Good and Bad Cholesterol
LDL or low-density lipoprotein is generally considered bad cholesterol as LDL buildup contributes massively to heart strokes by narrowing the blood arteries. At the same time, HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is the good cholesterol that is responsible for carrying out various functions in the human body. HDL is transferred from the body towards the liver, which is then metabolized to flush out the body. The excess of LDL or the reduced level of HDL in the body are the reasons why cholesterol affects the body’s functioning negatively and usually is the reason behind serious cardiac arrest.
HDL takes bad or LDL cholesterol away from the blood arteries and transfers it back to the liver. As a result, LDL breaks down into tiny particles and ejects out of the body. However, HDL only eliminates a very small amount of LDL, and the rest of LDL cholesterol remains in the body.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat mainly created from consuming highly fatty food. These absorb excess energy from the food, and when there is a high level of LDL and lower HDL, it results in fat accumulation inside the arteries. When accumulated this way, triglycerides result in cardiovascular complications and improper functioning of different organs.
Your healthcare practitioner can measure the level of both bad and good cholesterol in your body through blood tests. The high cholesterol level is primarily associated with increasing heart diseases, and individuals who smoke, consume alcohol, or have high blood pressure have even more risks of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Havocs of High Cholesterol on Human Health
People consider cholesterol a ‘bad’ thing due to its association with serious health issues. No doubt, if it increases from a certain point, cholesterol level causes serious stress to the body. However, besides that, your body still needs some amount of cholesterol to synthesize healthy cells. Once your body starts depositing excess cholesterol, it suffocates the arteries, and eventually, the blood flows through the arteries.
The high cholesterol level can be inherited, but it is extremely disturbing and regarded as an unhealthy part of life. You have to take big care of your body if you are struggling with high cholesterol and do not want it to interrupt your normal body’s functioning. Certain medical conditions contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels, such as kidney problems, diabetes, or lupus. Whatever the cause is, high cholesterol levels can cause some serious health issues, including:
Stroke
Due to the cholesterol buildup blocking the arteries, it becomes difficult for the blood to pass through the arteries. In this case, if the blood flow is not regulated towards the brain, a blood clot may form, leading to increased chances of causing a stroke.
Angina
Angina or chest pain is another significant health risk that is associated with cholesterol buildup inside the arteries. The improper blood flow through coronary arteries leads to causing chest pain or angina and is life-threatening for those with chronic heart issues.
Gallstones
Cholesterol is important for synthesizing bile, which is important to absorb nutrients from the food through its breakdown. However, if the cholesterol increases in the bile, the excess of it results in the formation of hard crystal-like stones known as Gallstones.
Poor Blood Circulation
The increased LDL cholesterol level affects blood flow through arteries by clogging them. As a result, the arteries become stiff, making the blood flow difficult. The heart has to push harder to ensure proper blood flow, and the blood that is accumulated inside the arteries results in plaque buildup. Plaque accumulation affects the regular flow of blood through the arteries, and due to the poor and irregular flow, the person may develop severe heart disease.
Unfortunately, people with high cholesterol analyze it after suffering through life-threatening health risks. There is no specific way to determine if the person has a high cholesterol level; only medical tests can verify it.
What is the Cholesterol Ratio, and Why is it Important to Measure it?
As we know that high cholesterol levels can be lethal, it is important to keep a check on your blood cholesterol regularly. Multiple tools help you calculate the cholesterol ratio at home so you may control it if it is high. A cholesterol ratio can be helpful in quick diagnosis and in assessing an individual’s health status. Before estimating the cholesterol ratio, a few parameters are important, such as LDL-HDL ratio, Triglyceride HDL Ratio, Total Cholesterol HDL Ration, etc.
Calculator to Estimate the Cholesterol Ratio
Let’s determine how to measure the cholesterol ratio based on certain parameters. Whether you want to analyze HDL or LDL ratio, these calculations can help you in the easiest way possible.
LDL-HDL Ratio
It is measured by dividing the level of LDL by the HDL level. As we know that a higher LDL level is one of the main reasons for increasing heart issues, it is important to estimate the LDL-HDL ratio before proceeding with further calculations.
LDL-HDL Ratio = LDL/HDL
Triglyceride-HDL Ratio
After knowing the triglyceride level, divide it into the formula with the HDL level. Although triglyceride and HDL levels do not directly impact human health, this is still important to determine this ratio.
Triglyceride-HDL Ratio = Triglyceride level / HDL
Body cholesterol-HDL Ratio
This is the least used indicator in determining an individual’s overall health, but it is still important to estimate it. This ratio can be obtained by dividing the body’s total cholesterol by the HDL level.
Cholesterol-HDL Ratio = Total Cholesterol / HDL
Tips to lower cholesterol
You probably have high cholesterol inherited through your genes, so you must put extra effort into bringing it down to a healthy ratio. Consistency is the key; whatever you do to reduce your cholesterol level, it is important to keep going with patience. Below we have mentioned some useful tips to help lower your increasing cholesterol ratio effectively.
Improve Your Diet
Fatty food is one of the main reasons for increased cholesterol levels, so keeping a keen eye on what you are eating is important. Junk food is your biggest enemy if you plan to reduce your cholesterol level. Add some omega-3-rich fatty acids into your diet and eat a fresher, more fiber-enrich diet that gives you enough energy while cutting short your cholesterol intake.
Do Regular Exercising
Exercising regularly has numerous health effects; if you have high cholesterol, doing aerobic exercise regularly can help you control it. You may achieve high HDL and take your LDL lower quickly by following an exercise plan that involves the entire body and removes unnecessary bulges of cholesterol from the body.
Quit Smoking
Studies have revealed that smoking affects the cholesterol level in your body as cigarette smoke contains acrolein which is extremely unhealthy for the lungs and raises the cholesterol level. Not just that, but this extremely toxic chemical also prevents HDL from flushing LDL out of the arteries, increasing LDL level and eventually elevating the cholesterol level. For healthy lungs, heart, and the entire body, it is very important to quit smoking and let your lungs breathe away from the toxicity of smoking.
Medication
Suppose your cholesterol level has increased too much and after following all the healthy ways of minimizing your cholesterol intake. In that case, you may opt for certain medications if there are no satisfactory results. But consult your doctor before following a medical routine. Various medications improve your LDL-HDL ratio and lower your cholesterol level, but only a certified doctor can prescribe these after the examination.
Bottom Line
If you want to live a healthy and active life, you need to look closer at your cholesterol level. Certain healthy changes in your lifestyle, whether it is related to diet or exercise, impact positively on the overall cholesterol level. Adults above the age of 20 should get their cholesterol level checked once every three to five years to ensure they have a healthy cholesterol level. Our cholesterol ratio calculator helps you do quick assessments at home and produces instant results which are almost precise. For a random cholesterol checkup, this tool is decent to carry out this vital estimation, but people with higher cholesterol levels should not completely depend upon the results and always consult a doctor for a thorough consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I have a too-low cholesterol ratio?
Yes, in rare cases, having a too-low cholesterol ratio is possible. Suppose the person is suffering from thyroid diseases or metabolic issues. In that case, the LDL level gets too low, and the HDL level gets extremely high, which results in a too-low cholesterol ratio.
Is cholesterol a bad thing?
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body to carry out vital functions. However, it is important that the cholesterol level remains balanced and does not fluctuate toward the higher side, as high cholesterol is extremely unhealthy for the human body.
Which test is used to determine high cholesterol levels?
A blood test known as a ‘lipid profile’ is performed by a healthcare provider to determine a high cholesterol level in the body.
What signs indicate that your body has too high cholesterol level?
Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gallstones, and high blood pressure are some common signs indicating that the cholesterol level in your body is too high.
How to take my blood cholesterol down?
Consuming fiber-rich food can help your cholesterol level decrease as fiber absorbs the excess cholesterol.
A fervent champion for holistic well-being, graces this community with her expertise in health and fitness. With a solid educational foundation in physical fitness and a commitment to empowering others, Sara distills her extensive knowledge and experience into actionable insights. Her writing, firmly grounded in evidence-based practices, aims to demystify health complexities and inspire readers to cultivate sustainable habits for a balanced life. As a certified fitness trainer, Sara offers a well-rounded perspective on wellness. Join Sara on this transformative journey towards a happier, healthier, and more vibrant you.
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