HDL LDL Ratio

Cholesterol plays a major role in the normal functioning of the bodily activities. Chemically, cholesterol is a lipid like substance, formed mostly by the liver cells. Being a water repellent metabolite, it is transported to the bloodstream with the help of lipoproteins (compound containing lipids and proteins). The cholesterol level in the body is measured by conducting a blood test.

Cholesterol is an integral part of the cell membranes, thus cholesterol is present in all the body cells and tissues. It is also essential for production of steroid hormones, bile juice and vitamins. Understanding the functions of cholesterol and how hypercholesterolemia affects the body systems will help in minimizing the risks factors for heart problems and cardiovascular diseases. Before coming to the topic of discussion, i.e HDL LDL ratio, let's take a look at each of the cholesterol types.

High Density Lipoproteins (HDL): Good Cholesterol

High density lipoproteins are responsible for transporting unused cholesterol from the blood to the liver. As per medical studies, about 30 percent of blood cholesterol is transported by HDL in a normal healthy person. The returned cholesterol in the liver is either re-utilized or excreted from the body, thus minimizing the complication of cholesterol accumulation in the blood vessels. Hence, HDL is also referred to as good cholesterol. An individual having HDL level below 40 mg/dL is at a high risk of developing heart diseases.

Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL): Bad Cholesterol

Low density lipoproteins are major transporting systems for carrying cholesterol from the liver organ to the bloodstream. Presence of high levels of LDL for a prolonged period leads to narrowing of the arteries and/or formation of plaques in the lining of blood vessels, which in turn increases the risk for cardiovascular and heart related diseases. This is the reason as to why LDL is also known a bad cholesterol. The ideal LDL level is claimed to be below 100 mg/dL.

HDL to LDL Ratio: Explained

While analyzing the report of a cholesterol test, you may come across various numbers, apart from the cholesterol level such as high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins and HDL LDL ratio range. The HDL LDL ratio calculation is done by dividing the concentration of good cholesterol (HDL) in mg/dL (milligram per deciliter) by the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL) in mg/dL. The normal HDL LDL ratio is above 0.4. Nevertheless, reading higher than 0.3 is considered to be within the normal HDL LDL cholesterol levels.

The HDL and LDL ratio can be calculated either wise. In brief, you can estimate LDL HDL ratio instead of determining the usual HDL to LDL ratio. In such a case, the ideal value is 2.5:1, however reading below 3.5:1 is considered to be normal and healthy. The most reliable cholesterol value that can be used to determine health complications is debatable. Though total cholesterol/HDL is more accurate than HDL LDL ratio, the latter is easier and more affordable. Most health experts recommend using the absolute reading of HDL and LDL for any health implications.

In case, there are suspected signs of heart diseases, the physician may prescribe fasting and non-fasting blood tests to determine the accurate reading of HDL, LDL and HDL LDL ratio. Based on the HDL LDL ratio, risk factors are examined by the concerned physician, after which effective medications and lifestyle changes are recommended so as to maintain the cholesterol level within a healthy range.