Cholesterol Calculator

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.

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:

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.