Definition: A cholesterol ratio is the proportion of total cholesterol levels over HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol ratio can be calculated by taking your total cholesterol and dividing it by your HDL levels. This number is used in predicting your risk of heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, you should aim for your total/HDL cholesterol ratio to be below 5, whereas optimal levels are usually around 3.5.
Cholesterol ratio can also be the proportion of LDL “bad” cholesterol to HDL cholesterol. It can be calculated by dividing your LDL cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol, and it can also be used to predict your risk of heart disease. In this case, optimal levels are usually below 3.5.
