LDL / HDL RATIO

Just how important is the LDL /HDL ratio? You know by now that when it comes to cholesterol in our bodies there is good and bad. Just to remind ourselves, LDL is bad and the other one, HDL is the good one to have.  One we want to lowe and the other we want to raise.

But now days doctors talk about the LDL/HDL Ratio. Just what is an acceptable ratio to have when it comes to these two figures?

Your liver makes cholesterol and of course we have to have. But when we eat the wrong foods and don’t get enough exercise we can end up with more of the LDL bad cholesterol than we need and not enough of the HDL. We want to keep a happy balance, but what is it?

It only makes sense that the higher the good to the bad, the better off we are. And it is in this case as well. Doctors today compare our bad cholesterol to our good.

Here’s how it works: LDL of 125 divided by HDL of 38 =3.2

LDL of 130 divided by HDL of 50 =2.6

In most cases the lower the ratio the better. Most recommend a ratio of 3.5 or better.

What we’re trying to do of course is avoid heart problems and even a heart attack. So getting your cholesterol checked on a regular basis is important. And now you can tell if your ratio is within safe limits or not. And of course if there are ever any doubts consult your physician immediately.

Your life is just that: your life. Take care of it. Keep an eye on your LDL/HDL ratio.