The total cholesterol /HDL ratio is the proportion of one type of cholesterol to all the other cholesterol in the blood. Total cholesterol includes three substances HDL, LDL, and VLDL.
HDL stands for high density lipoprotein, LDL stands for low density lipoprotein and, VLDL stands for very low density lipoprotein. LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol and HDL is known as “good” cholesterol. VLDL is not necessarily “good” either, but there is a lot less of it in the blood than the other two types. VLDL is made up mostly of triglycerides. LDL and VLDL are thought of as bad because high levels of these substances cause heart disease and blood vessel disease. People with high levels of LDL and VLDL are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke. People with higher levels of HDL are less likely to have heart attack and stroke. People can improve their total cholesterol /HDL ratio by getting more aerobic exercise and reducing the amount of saturated fat they eat, and taking certain types of cholesterol-lowering medications.
Normal Ranges for Total Cholesterol /HDL Ratio:
Men: Less than 4.5
Women: Less than 4.0
Children to up 18 years of age: Less than 4.0
Critical Range: 5 or higher
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2747394/
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/lipoprotein-classification-metabolism-and-role-in-atherosclerosis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316173.php
www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/lipid-disorders/hypolipidemia
http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/jcem.85.12.7027
www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/lipid-disorders/dyslipidemia
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hypertriglyceridemia?source=see_link#H3
Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
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