LDL/HDL ratio
Heart healthA calculated ratio comparing "bad" cholesterol (LDL) to "good" cholesterol (HDL).
providing a single metric that reflects the balance between cholesterol delivery to tissues and cholesterol removal from arterial walls. This ratio integrates both atherogenic and protective lipid factors into one value that indicates net cardiovascular risk.
Reference range
Source: Ahead Health benchmark
Reference ranges may vary between labs and assays. Always interpret results with your healthcare provider.
Why this matters
The LDL/HDL ratio predicts heart disease risk more accurately than either value alone, as it captures the dynamic balance between cholesterol accumulation and clearance. A high ratio indicates excess cholesterol deposition relative to removal capacity, accelerating atherosclerosis even when individual values appear acceptable. The ratio helps identify high-risk patients who might be missed by standard cholesterol screening and guides treatment intensity. It's particularly useful for monitoring treatment response, as improvements in both LDL reduction and HDL elevation are captured in a single improving ratio.
Changes in this ratio from lifestyle modifications or medications directly correlate with cardiovascular event reduction.
How this connects to other biomarkers
- The ratio with SHBG levels indicates whether hormonal factors contribute to the lipid imbalance.
- High ratio with oxidative markers (like GGT) suggests increased atherogenic potential beyond the numbers.
Included in
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