Calculate your cholesterol ratios to assess cardiovascular risk using total, HDL, and LDL values.
While individual cholesterol numbers matter, the ratios between them are often better predictors of cardiovascular risk. The TC/HDL ratio is particularly useful because it considers both harmful and protective cholesterol.
A TC/HDL ratio below 3.5 is optimal, below 5 is desirable. The LDL/HDL ratio should ideally be below 2.0. Lower ratios indicate better cardiovascular health.