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Cholesterol Calculator
The cholesterol calculator lets you assess your lipid profile based on blood test results. Enter your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride values — the calculator will compute non-HDL cholesterol, key ratios and categorise your cardiovascular risk according to ESC 2021 guidelines. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is one of the most important preventive measures against heart and circulatory disease. High LDL cholesterol causes no symptoms for many years, making laboratory testing essential.
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How we calculate cholesterol risk
Non-HDL = total cholesterol minus HDL. LDL/HDL ratio = LDL divided by HDL. Total/HDL ratio = total cholesterol divided by HDL. Triglycerides are converted to mmol/L (mg/dL / 38.67). LDL risk: optimal <70, near-optimal 70-99, borderline 100-129, high 130-159, very high >=160 mg/dL. HDL risk: low risk >1.5 mmol/L, protective 1.0-1.5, risk <1.0. Triglycerides: normal <1.7, borderline 1.7-5.6, high >5.6 mmol/L.
Example: lipid panel with typical values
Total cholesterol: 200 mg/dL, LDL: 120 mg/dL, HDL: 50 mg/dL, triglycerides: 150 mg/dL. Non-HDL = 150 mg/dL, LDL/HDL ratio = 2.4, total/HDL ratio = 4.0. LDL borderline, HDL protective, triglycerides normal. Overall assessment: moderate risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is LDL cholesterol and why is it dangerous?
LDL cholesterol transports cholesterol from the liver to tissues. Excess LDL deposits in artery walls forming atherosclerotic plaques, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to ESC 2021, an LDL level below 70 mg/dL is considered optimal for high-risk individuals.
What does HDL cholesterol mean and how does it affect health?
HDL cholesterol removes excess cholesterol from tissues and transports it back to the liver. A level above 1.5 mmol/L (approx. 58 mg/dL) reduces cardiovascular risk. A level below 1.0 mmol/L is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
How do I interpret the LDL/HDL ratio?
An LDL/HDL ratio below 2.5 is considered favourable, 2.5-3.5 is borderline, and above 3.5 indicates elevated risk. A total cholesterol to HDL ratio above 5.0 is a marker of high cardiovascular risk.
What are triglycerides and what are safe values?
Triglycerides are the main form of stored fat. A normal value is below 1.7 mmol/L (approx. 150 mg/dL), borderline 1.7-5.6 mmol/L, and high above 5.6 mmol/L. Very high triglycerides (>500 mg/dL) increase the risk of pancreatitis.
What is non-HDL cholesterol?
Non-HDL cholesterol is the difference between total cholesterol and HDL. It includes all atherogenic lipoprotein fractions. For high-risk individuals the target is below 100 mg/dL, and for very high risk below 85 mg/dL according to ESC 2021.
How often should I get a lipid panel test?
Adults without risk factors should be tested every 5 years from the age of 40. With risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, obesity) every 1-2 years. People taking statins should have their lipid panel checked every 3-6 months.
What causes high LDL cholesterol?
High LDL can be caused by a diet rich in saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, hypothyroidism or familial hypercholesterolaemia.
Can I lower my cholesterol without medication?
For borderline values it may be possible through a diet low in saturated fats, regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week), weight normalisation and quitting smoking. For LDL above 160 mg/dL medication is usually required — consult your doctor.
What are the ESC 2021 treatment targets?
For very high-risk individuals the LDL target is below 55 mg/dL. For extremely high risk: below 40 mg/dL. For moderate risk: below 100 mg/dL. These targets are significantly lower than in earlier guidelines.
When should I see a doctor about my cholesterol?
When LDL exceeds 100 mg/dL with diabetes or cardiovascular disease, when LDL is above 160 mg/dL for any person, when triglycerides exceed 500 mg/dL or the total/HDL ratio exceeds 5. This calculator does not replace medical advice.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a medical diagnosis or medical advice. Interpretation of lipid test results should be carried out by a doctor taking into account the full clinical picture, other risk factors and medical history. Do not change your treatment based on this calculator. If in doubt, consult your GP or cardiologist.
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