What is the Total Cholesterol:HDL Ratio?

Total Cholesterol:HDL (TC:HDL) is an important metric of cardiovascular health that compares bad and good cholesterol. It is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol level by your HDL level.

Why is it measured?

The higher the TC:HDL ratio, the greater the risk of cardiovascular events. Total cholesterol is calculated by adding LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and 20% of triglycerides. Even if HDL is high individually, you could still be at risk for cardiovascular events if LDL is even higher. Thus, the ratio can assess your risk much more accurately. Recent studies have shown that the TC:HDL ratio is an important clinical predictor of acute myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 

How can I better understand my results?

In order to better interpret your results, here are some values to refer to:

• High risk: > 6
• Moderate risk: 4.5 - 6
• Low risk: < 4.5
• Very good: < 3.5

For more information on how to improve your TC:HDL ratio, please refer to the Total Cholesterol and/or HDL biomarker pages. Additionally, you may also find the LDL and Triglycerides pages helpful.

If you are concerned with any of your values, please consult with your physician.

Where can I learn more?

University of Rochester Medical Center - Lipid Panel with Total Cholesterol:HDL

Cleveland Clinic - Cholesterol Numbers and What They Mean

 

 

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH ANY OF YOUR RESULTS, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.