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The New and Improved Cholesterol Ratio
By Jacob Mabille
In the past, doctors have focused on the ratio of our good (HDL) to our total but, in today's medical community, there is growing consensus that a closer look at bad (LDL) is our best management tool.
Total contains good that protects our heart, known as High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and bad that is harmful to the heart, known as Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL).
Cholesterol, although a fat, is an essential nutrient for the body. It is made in the liver. The liver produces in the necessary quantities for a healthy body, then revs up its production when we ingest a diet high in saturated fats and foods such as meats, dairy products and eggs. When the liver cannot efficiently dispose of the excesses of a high fat diet, the excess becomes bad (LDL) and travels to the arteries of the heart and deposits itself there in the form of plaque. As the plaque accumulates, the walls of the arteries narrow and blood flow to the heart is restricted and eventually blocked.
The theory that "a higher ratio of something good to something bad is always better" is especially true for a healthy heart. This new standard compares our bad (LDL) to our good (HDL), rather than our good to our total cholesterol.
Here are two examples, both using the same method, of how to arrive at the ratio of your bad (LDL) to your good (HDL):
*LDL of 129 divided by HDL of 40 = a ratio of 3.2
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*LDL of 99 divided by HDL of 60 = a ratio of 1.7
The first ratio example of 3.2 indicates the lesser risk of having a heart attack or stroke as compared to the higher risks of up to 11.0. The lower the ratio the better. In general, a ratio of 3.5 or below is recommended.
The second ratio of 1.7 represents the recommended guidelines for optimal, or the best, levels of good and bad cholesterol, which is below 100 for LDL and above 59 for HDL. A ratio of 1.7 or any ratio below 3.3 is considered even better than a low risk.
Risk Levels for Heart Attach or Stroke due to blocked arteries:
*Considered a Low Risk: 3.3 to 4.4
*Considered an Average Risk: 4.4 to 7.1
*Considered a Moderate Risk: 7.1 to 11.0
*Considered a High Risk: 11.0
Consider these three questions:
*Is your blood pressure above healthy levels?
*Do you smoke cigarettes?
*Do you have a family history of heart disease?
If your answer is "yes" to any of the above, you may have additional risk factors for heart disease, even if your risk-ratio is at optimal levels. While you can do nothing about family history, general medical advice urges us to get control of high blood pressure and quit smoking.
If you do not know your numbers: total cholesterol, HDL and LDL, make an appointment to discuss your ratios with your doctor and request a copy of your lab report for your files. Your physician's analysis is your best guide to management.
Jacob Mabille writes for Free Health Articles where you can find more health tips and related articles. You may republish this article only if you retain resource box and active hyperlinks.
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