How Do You Calculate Total Cholesterol

Why You Need To Get Your Cholesterol Levels Tested

Cholesterol and lipid tests are blood tests that measure the amount of different forms of cholesterol in the blood. All these forms are called lipids. The test measures total blood cholesterol, the levels of HDL , the levels of LDL and triglycerides.

The relation between all these levels can determine the risk for developing a heart disease. Since raised levels are mostly asymptomatic, medical professionals are advising everyone over the age of 20 to have them tested regularly.

Determining if you have high cholesterol can be the first step towards lowering it and therefore reducing risks related such big values.

Getting A Cholesterol Test

1Choose a location to get tested. It is recommended to get your cholesterol tested at your primary care doctors office because they will know your age, family history, and other health factors better than anybody. This is important information when the results are interpreted. Since your doctor knows you best, you will also be able to receive a more comprehensive plan for treating high cholesterol.XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Heart AssociationLeading nonprofit that funds medical research and public educationGo to source

Many different types of home tests are available, but have not been supported by most health organizations or associations. Make sure to read labels and directions carefully and use discretion when reading home tests. The results may not be accurate.

Some companies offer free or low-cost cholesterol screening services that dont require you to go to your doctors office. However, before you use one of these services, research the organization and find out if theyre reputable. You may also wish to have your doctor review the results of the test.

Some worksites also provide screenings for their employees.XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source

Not all cholesterol tests require fasting, so ask your doctor whether its necessary to avoid eating beforehand.

A desirable total cholesterol number is below 5.2 mmol/L

Cholesterol Hdl Ldl Triglycerides Ratio Calculator

Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides ratio calculator explains you what your TC, HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels mean and whether you are under any risk for heart and cardiovascular diseases. The calculator shows you interpretation of your cholesterol levels and the TC/HDL, LDL/HDL and triglyceride/HDL ratios. Elevated total cholesterol is not necessarily an alarm and doesn’t always present the whole truth about the condition of the body, while elevated triglycerides in the blood increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including risk of coronary artery disease , risk of heart attack and stroke, more than elevated total cholesterol.Do you have results in mmol/l? How to convert mmol/l to mg/dl?For total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol multiply mmol/l by 38.67, for example 4.5 x 38.67 = 174 For triglycerides multiply mmol/l by 88.57, for example 1.4 x 88,57 = 124 How to use calculator? Select your gender, enter your total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides numbers. Press the button “Interpretation of the results, calculate the ratios”. That?s all!

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Understanding Lipid Panel Results

“Your total cholesterol along with the ratio of bad to good cholesterol are very important when considering your risk for future heart issues,” says Addison Haynes, DO, a physician at Indiana University Health.

Knowing your total cholesterol is helpful, but it’s better to take into account your LDL and HDL cholesterol along with your triglycerides .

In the past, doctors would examine each value and make treatment recommendations based on how they fell within the desirable numbers. While that method is still used, Haynes says doctors are increasingly working with their patients to take into account their entire health profile, including specific risk factors like family history or lifestyle, before creating a plan for treatment.

“As we learn more and more about the human body and gather more data, we have changed how we treat cholesterol,” he says. “We now look at a person’s risk factors for having a cardiac event when we consider treatment options rather than the number by itself.”

Ldl Vs Hdl Good Vs Bad

If cholesterol is essential for overall health, why would one type be bad?

In simple terms, if there is too much LDL cholesterol running through your blood vessels, it can, over time, start to build up on the sides of those blood vessels. This buildup is typically referred to as plaque.

Plaque buildup in your blood vessels can eventually cause those vessels to become narrower. The more narrow your blood vessels are, the harder it is for blood to reach your heart and other organs.

When blood flow becomes very blocked, it can cause chest pain and even a heart attack.

HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, returns cholesterol to the liver so it can be flushed from the body.

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Total Cholesterol Calculation In Mg/dl And Mmol/l

Here is the medical calculator to calculate the amount of total cholesterol in millimoles/liters , based on the given inputs of high-density lipoprotein , low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride. Total cholesterol is the total blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a condition called as hypercholesterolemia, which is a cause for heart diseases. Enter the values of LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides in the total cholesterol calculator and click calculate.

Formula:

Total Cholesterol Hdl Ldl And Triglycerides

Our cholesterol ratio calculator takes into account four basic blood test results. All recommended levels are according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute within the National Institutes of Health.

You only need to input three of your results – they are dependent on each other according to the formula:

total cholesterol = HDL + LDL + 0.2 * triglycerides

Total cholesterol is just an overview of your cholesterol level. It might be misleading, as it combines the levels of good and bad cholesterol in your blood, and does not give sufficient information about heart disease risks.

• Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 200 – 239 mg/dL
• High: 240 mg/dL and above

HDL is the “good” cholesterol in your blood. Generally speaking, it is a form of cholesterol which is transfered from other parts of your body to the liver in order to metabolize it and remove from the body with bile acids. That’s why this is the only cholesterol type that should be kept high. Women tend to have slightly higher HDL levels than men.

• Optimal: 60 mg/dL and above
• Borderline: 40 – 59 mg/dL
• Risk of heart disease: Less than 40 mg/dL

• Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Near optimal/above optimal: 100 – 129 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 130 – 159 mg/dL
• High: 160 – 189 mg/dL
• Very high: 190 mg/dL and above

• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 150 – 199 mg/dL
• High: 200 – 499 mg/dL
• Very high: 500 mg/dL or above

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Is 255 Cholesterol Level Good Or Bad

Using the data above, you can see that a 255 LDL Cholesterol level falls into the Very High category. There is also something called HDL Cholesterol, which is often referred to as good cholesterol. The higher the HDL Cholesterol the better. HDL Cholesterol levels of 60 mg/dL or more are considered good.

Total Ldl Cholesterol And Non

While you need some cholesterol to be healthy, having too much can build up in your arteries and may cause a heart attack or stroke.

There are different types of cholesterol to be mindful of-LDL and HDL , and it is importance to understand the difference between both.

To better understand goal levels for both cholesterol types based on your risk level, see our total LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol calculator below, or download the accompanying PDF.

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Question 4 How Does The Martin

The Martin-Hopkins calculation provides greater customization to a patients specific triglyceride level by using a more personalized factor to calculate VLDL-C from triglycerides.4 This adjustable factor, which can range from 3.1 to 11.9, was derived from an analysis of triglyceride-to-VLDL-C ratios in more than 1.3 million people.4 The factor is lowest for patients with very low levels of triglyceride and high levels of non-HDL-cholesterol , and highest for those with very high levels of triglyceride and low levels of non-HDL-cholesterol.

Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About My Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. While some risk factors for cholesterol, such as age and heredity, are beyond your control, there are actions you can take to lower your LDL levels and reduce your risk, including:

• Eating a healthy diet. Reducing or avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can help reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood.
• Losing weight. Being overweight can increase your cholesterol and risk for heart disease.
• Staying active. Regular exercise may help lower your LDL cholesterol levels and raise your HDL cholesterol levels. It may also help you lose weight.

Talk to your health care provider before making any major change in your diet or exercise routine.

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How Does A Cholesterol Calculator Work

Some LDL calculators operate using the Friedewald equation from 1972, while others use the Iranian lipid profile calculation formula from 2008. Based on the blood sample results for total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL, it calculates LDL cholesterol levels. The second equation is often suggested for those with a small carbohydrate intake when the triglyceride content is smaller than the mean value required.

You can choose to type the three values into the cholesterol calculator as mmol/L or mg/dL according to the obtained results from the lab.

Experimental Design Subjects And Biochemical Measurements

The subjects were 148 men and 152 women aged 3576 years who were referred to Zahra hospital of university of Mazandaran. All measurements were done on fresh serum except that of apolipoprotein B100, homogenous LDLc and HDLc, which was stored at 70°C before analysis for maximum of 6 months. Serum total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured enzymatically by the CHODPAP and GPOPAP methods, respectively . LDL cholesterol and high density lippoprotein cholesterol were determined using the new homogenous assay . Unesterified total cholesterol and unesterified HDLc were measured by the same kits but without the enzyme cholesterol esterase. Esterified total cholesterol and esterified HDLc were calculated by subtractions of unesterified fractions from total cholesterol and HDLc , . ApoB100 and apoAI were assayed by immunoturbidometric methods . Inter and intraassay coefficients of variance were < 5% for all measurements. All other biochemical and hematological parameters were measured by routine laboratory methods.

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What Is Total Cholesterol

When your cholesterol is checked, you get a number for total cholesterol, one for the HDL level, and one for the LDL level. Your total cholesterol will be more than the sum of the HDL and LDL numbers.

Either a high HDL number or a high LDL number can make your total cholesterol number high. If it’s high because of a high HDL number, your health is not necessarily in danger. However, if it’s high because your LDL cholesterol level is high, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your health .

What Do Your Triglyceride Results Mean

Triglycerides are another type of blood fat and your triglyceride levels can tell you more about your health. If your triglycerides are high, it can mean youre at risk of heart disease, liver disease and diabetes.

You might have your triglycerides tested when you have a cholesterol test.

People with high triglyceride levels often have a low HDL level as well, which is an unhealthy combination.

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How Total Cholesterol Is Measured

This is done using a blood test called a lipoprotein panel, which also measures your triglycerides. For this test, you provide a blood sample thats taken after youve fasted for 9 to 12 hours before your test.

Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the equation: HDL level + LDL level + 20% of your triglyceride level.

The Pros And Cons Of Total Cholesterol Hdl Ldl And Triglyceride Testing

Time to get your cholesterol checked. Okay, but which test should you get? It’s not so simple anymore. Here is a rundown of some of the choices and their pros and cons:

Total cholesterol. This is the simplest and least expensive test. The test doesn’t require any sophisticated lab work, either. The simple, do-it-yourself home cholesterol tests measure total cholesterol.

But total cholesterol includes both “good” high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the “bad” varieties, chiefly low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein . So, if your total cholesterol is in the desirable category, it’s possible that you may have unhealthy levels of HDL and LDL and VLDL . Think of total cholesterol as a first glimpse, a peek. Doctors are not supposed to make any treatment decisions based on this number alone.

Cholesterol levels can be lowered by stress or infection. An injury, cancer, stroke, or heart attack may have the same effect. So, if your cholesterol levels are unusually high or low, your doctor will probably want to repeat the test some weeks later. Abnormal readings may also lead to tests for other medical problems.

HDL cholesterol. HDL wins its laurels as the “good” cholesterol because it sponges up cholesterol from blood vessel walls and ferries it to the liver for disposal. In contrast, LDL deposits the harmful fat in vessel walls.

An HDL level of 60 or above is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, and below 40 is associated with a higher risk.

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Question 5 How Does The Martin

Compared with the Friedewald equation, the Martin-Hopkins calculation provides better correlation with direct LDL-C measurements.3-7 Concordance with guideline-based risk classification, especially at high triglyceride and low LDL-C, is also superior using the Martin-Hopkins calculation.3-7 In the 2013 validation study mentioned above,4 the improvement was greatest for people with estimated LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL, especially those with higher triglyceride levels . Thus, the primary advantage of the Martin-Hopkins equation is that it is applicable to low LDL-C levels even in the presence of elevated triglyceride concentrations.

The improved accuracy at low LDL-C allows more accurate assessment of patients in the high-risk categories undergoing aggressive treatment with low LDL goals. In addition, the ability to adjust for high triglyceride levels may improve reliability of LDL-C estimation when fasting is not desired or practical.8 This can be convenient for risk assessment, especially for patients who have difficulty fasting .8

How To Calculate Total Cholesterol

This article was medically reviewed by Victor Catania, MD. Dr. Catania is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Pennsylvania. He received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas in 2012 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the Robert Packer Hospital. He is a member of the American Board of Family Medicine.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 11 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 187,970 times.

Note: In the information below, a lab test interpretation of the values may vary between labs and between doctors. Always view your lab results and speak to your doctor before coming to any conclusions about your lab test values.

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Total Cholesterol To Hdl Ratio

The total cholesterol to HDL ratio calculator is used to determine their proportion in the blood. The total cholesterol/HDL ratio is considered to be the least precise in determining your health risk. So, what should your cholesterol ratio be?

• The optimum ratio is below 3.5.

• An average total cholesterol/HDL ratio is considered below 5.0.

• And an elevated ratio is above 5.0.

Major Determinants Of Ldlc

In the preliminary step, bivariate correlation analysis was performed to establish the major determinants of serum LDLc. Table shows the characteristics of the study population and also indicates that LDLc has a significant association with total cholesterol, HDLc, triglyceride and aopB100. The correlations did not change when total cholesterol has been fractioned into esterified and unesterified. Unless, unesterified HDLc showed more and esterified fraction had less association with LDLc.

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Are There Ways To Manage High Cholesterol Levels

Yes, there are ways to manage high cholesterol levels, including the following:

Increase HDL cholesterol levels and decrease LDL cholesterol by getting regular aerobic exercise. Exercise also helps relax blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Lower LDL cholesterol by eating foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fat. You can replace these bad fat foods with foods high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. This includes eating fish with omega-3 fatty acids like salmon. In addition, eating soluble fibers — such as oats, pectin, and psyllium — will help reduce LDL cholesterol. So will cholesterol-lowering foods, such as margarines, enriched with plant sterols and stanols.

Medications such as statins help lower LDL cholesterol levels. They also help lower triglycerides and slightly increase HDL cholesterol levels. Statins reduce the risk of heart disease in many people.

If your cholesterol is high, it will take time and effort to improve your cholesterol levels and cholesterol ratio. You should count on at least three months of lifestyle changes and possibly taking daily medication. The results, though — a healthier heart and lower risk of heart attack or stroke — are well worth the effort.