Health · Free tool
Cholesterol Risk Categoriser
Total / LDL / HDL / Triglycerides — each interpreted per ATP-III / NCEP. Total/HDL ratio under 3.5 = low cardiovascular risk; over 5 = high.
180 mg/dL
110 mg/dL
45 mg/dL
140 mg/dL
Total
desirable
LDL (bad cholesterol)
above-optimal
HDL (good cholesterol)
normal
Triglycerides
normal
Total / HDL ratio
4.0× — average risk
Cardiovascular risk indicator. <3.5 = low, 3.5-5 = average, >5 = high.
FAQ
Should I worry about total cholesterol or LDL more?
LDL — it's the "bad" cholesterol that builds plaque. Some people have high total but bulk is HDL — that's actually protective.
Is fasting required for the lipid test?
Yes for triglycerides — eat-anything affects TG by 30%+. Total / LDL / HDL are stable across fasting state. Most labs recommend 12-hour fasting.
My HDL is low despite exercise — why?
HDL has strong genetic component. Exercise raises HDL by 5-10% only. Quitting smoking, losing weight, increasing omega-3 intake help more.