1. What is the Cholesterol Ratio?

The Cholesterol Ratio, as recommended by Dr. Mercola, is a simple calculation that divides total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. This ratio provides a better indicator of cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol alone and helps assess overall heart health.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple ratio formula:

Where:

• \( TC \) — Total cholesterol (mg/dL)
• \( HDL \) — HDL cholesterol (mg/dL)

Explanation: This ratio compares the amount of total cholesterol to the "good" HDL cholesterol, with lower ratios indicating better cardiovascular health.

3. Importance of Cholesterol Ratio

Details: The cholesterol ratio is a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. According to Dr. Mercola, a ratio below 5:1 is considered optimal, while ratios above 5:1 may indicate increased risk of heart disease.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol values in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a good cholesterol ratio?
A: According to Dr. Mercola, a ratio of 5:1 or lower is considered optimal for cardiovascular health.

Q2: Why is the cholesterol ratio important?
A: The ratio provides a better assessment of cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol alone, as it considers the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol.

Q3: How can I improve my cholesterol ratio?
A: Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy diet (rich in omega-3s and fiber), maintaining healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can help improve your ratio.

Q4: How often should I check my cholesterol levels?
A: Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. Those with risk factors may need more frequent testing.

Q5: Are there limitations to using the cholesterol ratio?
A: While useful, the ratio should be considered alongside other risk factors and lipid measurements for a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment.