Cholesterol Calculator
Compares the TC, HDL, LDL and triglyceride patient levels with normal values to determine whether there is risk for heart disease.
In the text below the form you can read more about cholesterol levels and their influence in the body.
The cholesterol calculator is an informational tool that compares the patient’s total cholesterol, high density and low density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels with normal values of the same gender.
This offers information as to whether the patient may be at risk of heart disease (high or suboptimal cholesterol). Each of the values is characterised based on the cardiovascular risk it carries.
Cholesterol is a form of fat stored by the body and used in functions such as the stability of the cell membranes or the production of hormones. This fatty substance is carried through the blood in a cholesterol-carrier package called a lipoprotein.
HDL is the high density lipoprotein or the good cholesterol, which helps move cholesterol through blood to the liver for disposal and prevents it from adhering to arteries.
LDL is the low density lipoprotein or the bad cholesterol because of its tendency to adhere to blood vessels which leads to clogging and in the coronary arteries may impair blood supply to the heart, predisposing the patient to heart attack.
Triglycerides are the form of fat the body stored for energy.
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Steps on how to print your input & results:
1. Fill in the calculator/tool with your values and/or your answer choices and press Calculate.
2. Then you can click on the Print button to open a PDF in a separate window with the inputs and results. You can further save the PDF or print it.
Please note that once you have closed the PDF you need to click on the Calculate button before you try opening it again, otherwise the input and/or results may not appear in the pdf.
About cholesterol values
The cholesterol calculator allows a rapid assessment of the cholesterol levels to see whether these are in the normal range (gender specific) and can provide information about how these are linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
The results from standard cholesterol tests (provided in milligrams per deciliter of blood mg/dL) can be input in the calculator straight away.
Cholesterol is a form of fat in circulation in the body, which is a precursor in the production of hormones and contributes to the stability of the cell membranes, amongst other functions.
As a fatty substance, cannot dissolve in blood, therefore requires a carrier protein. When attached to such a protein, it forms a complex called a lipoprotein. There are two types:
■ HDL or high density lipoprotein is also known as the good cholesterol. This complex travels through the blood stream towards the liver to dispose of unnecessary cholesterol. It tends to carry cholesterol away from arteries, therefore, higher levels of HDL are said to prevent arterial clogging and decrease the risk for heart disease or stroke.
■ LDL or low density lipoprotein is known as the bad cholesterol because of its tendency to deposit on the blood vessel walls. This in turn can led to clogging which is particularly dangerous in the coronary arteries where blood supply to the heart may be impaired, thus leading to heart attack.
Triglycerides are the preferred fat storage form in the body and are used for energy, especially by the muscles. High triglyceride levels are often associated with high total cholesterol and may contribute to an increase of heart disease risk.
The table below introduces the cholesterol and triglyceride values and their associated cardiovascular risk.
Total Cholesterol | HDL Cholesterol | LDL Cholesterol | Triglycerides | Risk level |
<200 mg/dl | >60 mg/dl | <100 mg/dl | <150 mg/dl | Normal |
200-239 mg/dl | 40-60 mg/dl | 100-160 mg/dl | 150-200 mg/dl | Borderline Risk |
>240 mg/dl | <40 mg/dl | >160 mg/dl | >200 mg/dl | High Risk |
HDL VS LDL Cholesterol
Cholesterol screening tests measure both HDL and LDL cholesterol. Their sum makes up for the total cholesterol (TC).
The TC/HDL ratio and the LDL/HDL ratio provide a good indication of risk of cardiovascular disease, as explained in the following table:
Total Cholesterol/ HDL | LDL/HDL | Risk | ||
Male | Female | Male | Female | |
<3.4 | <3.3 | 1 | 1.5 | Low risk |
5.0 | 4.5 | 3.6 | 3.2 | Average risk |
9.5 | 7.0 | 6.3 | 5.0 | Moderate risk |
>23 | >11 | 8 | 6.1 | High risk |
For men, an acceptable TC/HDL ratio is less than 5.0 whilst for women is less than 4.5. Optimal TC/HDL ratios are less than 3.4 for men and less than 3.3 for women.
Importance of getting cholesterol tested
Cholesterol levels are tested through blood cholesterol or lipid tests. The relation between the different forms of cholesterol provides indication of your risk of developing heart disease because in most cases, high levels are asymptomatic.
The recommendation from the American Heart Association is that everyone over the age of 20 to be tested regularly (every 5 years). Men over age 45 and women over age 50 with other cardiovascular risk factors should be tested more frequently.
Determining if you have high cholesterol is the first step towards taking measures to lower it, along with its cardiovascular risk.
About cholesterol testing and the lipid panel
This is a simple blood test where a sample of blood is drawn and analysed in a laboratory. Test results take about 24 hours.
In order to avoid an altered cholesterol test result, there are certain indication to be followed before the test:
■ The patient should fast for 9-12 hours prior to the test;
■ Strenuous effort should be avoided before the test;
Inform your doctor about any medical conditions or treatment you are under.
If the patient consumes food or beverages in the 9-12 hours before test, only the TC and HDL values will be accurate as the LDL and triglyceride levels are affected by recent food intake.
The conditions that may alter the lipid panel include: diabetes, liver disease, pregnancy, hormonal disease, infections or heart disease.
Medical therapy with diuretics, antibiotics, corticosteroids or HRT may also interfere with the test result.
References
1. Lecerf JM, de Lorgeril M. Dietary cholesterol: from physiology to cardiovascular risk. Br J Nutr. 2011; 106 (1): 6–14.
2. National Health Service. (2014) High Cholesterol levels.
Specialty: Nutrition
Objective: Determination
Type: Calculator
No. Of Variables: 5
Article By: Denise Nedea
Published On: May 24, 2017 · 08:05 AM
Last Checked: May 24, 2017
Next Review: May 24, 2023