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A fat-like substance that is found in certain foods and is also produced in the body. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in different packages called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) deliver cholesterol to the body, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL or "good" cholesterol) take cholesterol out of the bloodstream. There is a correlation between high blood-cholesterol levels and heart disease.

cholesterol ratio guide

Should You Use Your Ratio?

Looking at a person’s has become a major part of determining health problems, most notably heart disease. Ask anyone who has had high and heart problems and he/she would be able to tell you how important it is that you know your level and what to do about it.

Basically, in order to prevent having a life full of heart disease and other problems, you will want to do at least three things on a regular basis. You will definitely want to eat foods that are heart-healthy. In addition to eating healthy, you will also want to get regular exercise and, finally, you will want to stop smoking (if you already do so) and avoid tobacco smoke altogether.

There are a few ways to look at a person’s cholesterol, what of which being the ratio. Some physicians prefer actual numbers as opposed to a ratio because it is easier to determine the appropriate treatment methods using those numbers. However, some physicians prefer to use the ratio.

What Exactly Is A Ratio?

A ratio is the ratio of total to HDL in place of the total blood cholesterol. By dividing the HDL into the total cholesterol, you will come up with your desired ratio.

Example: if a person has a total of 200 mg/dL and an HDL of 50 mg/dL, then the ratio is 4:1. Ideally, you will want to keep this ratio below 5:1. The best ratio that you would want is 3.5:1. Even if you cannot reach that optimum level, do your best to keep it as close as possible to that number.

No matter what, the most important thing for you to do is lead as healthy a life as you possibly can. Even if you cannot reach the optimum levels and ratios right away, don’t panic or give up. Plenty of hard work and determination, along with the willingness to try and stay healthy, you can bring down your ratio and make your heart less at risk for disease.

The ratio is not used by every physician, as some believe looking at actual numbers will help them more when determining which route to take when it comes to treatment. Either way, you may want to get a ratio as well just so you can have all the information possible on your health. It may end up helping you more in the long run.

Here are some great additional articles.

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Normal Levels Of Cholesterol Can Keep Heart Healthy
Normal Levels Of Cholesterol Can Keep Heart HealthyMany people are working to achieve normal levels of cholesterol for the health of their heart and there are many options Read more...

The Basics Of Cholesterol
The Basics Of CholesterolToday obesity and other health problems are truly becoming an epidemic which has caused people to take care of their health. One aspect that people Read more...




	Disclaimer: This article is designed to provide general information. It is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice. Readers should consult their physicians when they have health concerns.