Cholesterol/HDL Ratio

LipidsHeart & VesselsBlood

The cholesterol/HDL ratio compares total cholesterol in the blood with the HDL fraction. HDL is the form of cholesterol that carries cholesterol away from blood vessel walls back to the liver for processing.

Why it matters: The ratio is one of several cardiovascular-risk indicators that combine multiple lipid measurements. A lower ratio means HDL makes up a larger share of total cholesterol, a pattern population studies have associated with lower cardiovascular event rates.

Symptoms of Low Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
Typically without noticeable symptoms
Symptoms of High Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
Typically without noticeable symptoms
What Moves It

May increase with:

High LDL
Low HDL
Poor diet

May decrease with:

High HDL
Low LDL
Exercise
Associated Conditions
AtherosclerosisHeart diseaseMetabolic syndrome
Related Markers
Total CholesterolHDL Cholesterol
Common questions

What is Cholesterol/HDL Ratio?

The cholesterol/HDL ratio compares total cholesterol in the blood with the HDL fraction. HDL is the form of cholesterol that carries cholesterol away from blood vessel walls back to the liver for processing.

What might a high or low Cholesterol/HDL Ratio mean?

The ratio is one of several cardiovascular-risk indicators that combine multiple lipid measurements. A lower ratio means HDL makes up a larger share of total cholesterol, a pattern population studies have associated with lower cardiovascular event rates.

What can affect Cholesterol/HDL Ratio?

It may be higher with: High LDL, Low HDL, Poor diet. It may be lower with: High HDL, Low LDL, Exercise.

More in Lipids
LDL/HDL RatioTriglyceride/HDL Ratio

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