How to Calculate Cholesterol Density

Cholesterol is a substance that occurs naturally in the body, in the liver, but is also ingested via certain foods we eat. It comes in two forms: "good" cholesterol, known as high-density lipoproteins, and "bad" cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins, according to Familydoctor.org. Being aware of your cholesterol levels is important, as a minimal level is needed to ensure proper body functioning; however, the presence of extraneous cholesterol build-up can lead to disease and heart attack. Calculate your blood cholesterol levels in order to determine if they are too low or high and need to be adjusted accordingly.

Things You'll Need

• At-home cholesterol testing kit

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Instructions

Determine Course of Action

• 1

  Decide which route of testing you would prefer: either purchasing an at-home test, or by making an appointment with your primary care practitioner. The at-home method is fast, easy and relatively inexpensive; it also does not require you to schedule an appointment with a doctor. You should note, however, that performing the test by yourself may reduce the accuracy of the findings. Even when professionals, such as your family doctor, perform cholesterol tests, there can be significant variability in the test results, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Heart Association has yet to take a position regarding the accuracy of home-testing kits. By far the most accurate way to determine your cholesterol levels is to leave the testing up to your doctor.

• 2

  Choose a kit based on the certain type of cholesterol level you wish to identify and follow the kit's instructions closely. There are a variety of test kits to choose from, and prices vary from as low as $11.63 to more than $20. Purchase them either at your local drugstore, or online at a website for dietary supplements. Most are single-use tests.

• 3

  Make an appointment and inform your physician that you wish to have lab work completed to determine your cholesterol levels if you decide to have a professional test done. He will perform a blood test that is known as a lipid panel, or lipid profile. This test will be able to pinpoint each distinct type of cholesterol, such as HDL or LDL, and subsequently identify the percent of each present in your blood. It is impossible to determine the levels of HDL or LDL in your bloodstream simply by knowing your total cholesterol score. The formula for calculating the ratio between HDL and LDL is very complex and can only be performed by a medical laboratory, according to an article in Boston Scientific.

• 4

  Examine the results of either your at-home test or your lipid profile to determine if the cholesterol in your body is at a healthy level. Less than 200 milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood is an acceptable level that reduces your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heath Association. A level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is moderately high, while more than 240 mg of cholesterol per dL is far too high and raises your risk of coronary heart disease to twice the level of someone with lower cholesterol. If your results read that your levels are indeed too high, speak with your doctor to determine the best course of action. Most likely a change in lifestyle, diet and nutrition, or even medication will be required.