How to Compute Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is transported through your bloodstream via lipoproteins. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, carries cholesterol to arteries and other tissues. LDL is "bad" cholesterol. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, transports cholesterol back to the liver for eventual disposal. HDL is "good" cholesterol. Triglycerides are lipids converted into fatty acids. Triglycerides spike after a meal high in saturated fat, alcohol or simple carbohydrates, like white bread or desserts. These lipids circulate in your bloodstream, and high levels of triglycerides lead to heart disease. HDL, LDL, and triglycerides together make up your total cholesterol, or TC.

Instructions

Computing Cholesterol

• 1

  Make an appointment with your doctor and request a fasting cholesterol panel test. A cholesterol panel is a blood test that breaks your cholesterol down into HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.

• 2

  Fast for 8 to 12 hours prior to having your cholesterol panel done. This eliminates any errors, as your triglyceride levels can be raised after eating and may be misinterpreted. Misleading triglyceride levels can also cause confusion with LDL levels.

• 3

  Divide your HDL into your TC to determine your risk ratio. For example, if your TC is 220 and your HDL is 30, your risk ratio would be 7.33, which is 220 divided by 30. Ideally, this number should be no higher than 4.5. In this example, you would want to attempt to lower your TC and raise your HDL.

• 4

  Follow three steps to find your LDL. First, divide your triglycerides by 5. For example, if your triglycerides number is 180, you would divide 180 by 5 to arrive at 36. Second, subtract your HDL from your TC. For example, if your HDL is 30 and your TC is 220, you would subtract 30 from 220 to arrive at 190. Finally, subtract the result of the first calculation from the result of the second calculation. Using our previous example, you would subtract 36 from 190 to arrive at 154. This number is your LDL. A normal LDL is less than 130, which makes this example's LDL at risk.

• 5

  Examine your triglycerides level. A normal triglycerides level should be no more than 150. According to a study listed in the American Heart Association's official journal, there is still a risk if your triglyceride level is higher than 100.

• 6

  Examine your HDL. A healthy HDL should be no lower than 40 for men and 45 for women.

• 7

  Examine your TC. You want your TC to be in the 150-160 range in order to count yourself in the low-risk group. Risk increases gradually after 160, increases sharply after 180, and spikes after 230.