Home » Cholesterol Ratio Cholesterol Ratio Cholesterol ratio can provide useful information about the risk of heart disease. Formula: Total cholesterol/HDL Explanation: HDL (good cholesterol): High-density lipoprotein, high levels seem to protect against heart attack. It helps to remove cholesterol from the blood by carrying bad cholesterol (LDL) back to the liver to process and prevent the formation of plaque.LDL (bad cholesterol): Low-density lipoprotein, a major risk factor for heart disease, excess cholesterol circulates in the blood and it can build up and stick to the wall of arteries and cause arteries to harden and narrow. It combines with other substances and forms thick and hard plaque, this condition is known as atherosclerosis.Total cholesterol: the sum of HDL and LDLAccording to American Heart Association (AHA), an optimal cholesterol ratio is about 3.5 to 1; a higher ratio indicates a higher risk of heart disease. Cholesterol level chart Total cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) Total cholesterol (Canada and most of Europe) Below 200 mg/dL Below 5.2 mmol/L Desirable 200-239 mg/dL 5.2-6.2 mmol/L Borderline high 240 mg/dL and above Above 6.2 mmol/L High LDL cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) LDL cholesterol (Canada and most of Europe) Below 100 mg/dL Below 2.6 mmol/L Ideal 100-129 mg/dL 2.6-3.3 mmol/L Near ideal 130-159 mg/dL 3.4-4.1 mmol/L Borderline high 160-189 mg/dL 4.1-4.9 mmol/L High 190 mg/dL and above Above 4.9 mmol/L Very high HDL cholesterol (U.S. and some other countries) HDL cholesterol (Canada and most of Europe) Below 40 mg/dL (men) Below 50 mg/dL (women) Below 1 mmol/L (men) Below 1.3 mmol/L (women) Increases the risk for developing heart disease 40-49 mg/dL (men) 50-59 mg/dL (women) 1-1.3 mmol/L (men) 1.3-1.5 mmol/L (women) Acceptable 60 mg/dL and above 1.6 mmol/L and above Desirable Triglycerides (U.S. and some other countries) Triglycerides (Canada and most of Europe) Below 150 mg/dL Below 1.7 mmol/L Normal 150-199 mg/dL 1.7-2.2 mmol/L Borderline high 200 or more 2.3 mmol/L or more High Note: These conversions are based on U.S. guidelines. Canadian and European guidelines are slightly different from U.S. guidelines.For a complete cholesterol profile, please visit:http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/What-Your-Cholesterol-Levels-Mean_UCM_305562_Article.jsp Want to lose weight easily and naturally? please check our Harmonious Weight Loss Program. Holistic Health Consultation | Traditional Chinese Medicine | Herbal Medicine | Theta Healing | Hypnotherapy | Hypnosis Recordings | Weight Loss Program | Palm Reading | Sidereal Astrology Analysis | Tarot Card and Oracle Card Reading | Relationship Compatibility Analysis | Health and Beauty Products | Manifestation Program | Holistic Health Blog | Common Disease Solution Collections ✕