What Is The Optimal Cholesterol Ratio?When measuring cholesterol levels in patients, the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, as well as the cholesterol ratio is required. Different components play different roles when cholesterol is building up and causing clogging in the arteries. Knowing their exact concentrations relative to each other, and the total amount of cholesterol in the body can provide a more accurate picture of the risk a patient may be in for developing heart problems. What Exactly are Cholesterol Numbers? The results of a blood cholesterol test are able to measure three types of cholesterol concentrations in the blood: HDL (high density lipoprotein), LDL (low density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein). These are measured in milligrams/deciliter, and when totalled together, they equal the total concentration of cholesterol in the blood. A ratio of Total/HDL or LDL/HDL are standard results of a cholesterol test. LDL, or also known as bad cholesterol, is heavily linked to cardiovascular disease in patients. When VLDL and LDL are both high, plaque will begin to build up along artery walls and cause them to narrow (also known as atherosclerosis). HDL on the other hand, has shown to pick up VLDL and LDL that have built up in the blood, and hence we refer to it as 'good' cholesterol. When you have a high HDL, the Total/HDL, and LDL/HDL will be low numbers, and therefore a much lower risk of developing heart disease. How to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels Doctors have developed guidelines for patients to better understand and monitor their cholesterol levels. When the total cholesterol is under 200 mg/dl this is optimal. The total should always be less than 240 mg/dl. With LDL, amounts lower than 100 g/dl is best, however it should always be lower than 160 mg/dl. In men, the HDL cholesterol should always be above 40 g/dl, and in women, above 50 mg/dl. This will help prevent build up in the artery walls. Optimal Total/HDL ratios are approximately 3.3:1 and an optimal LDL/HDL is approximately 1.7:1. Remember to have your cholesterol checked regularly to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. |