LDL/HDL Ratio (LDL/HDL)

What is LDL/HDL Ratio?

LDL/HDL ratio compares your “bad” cholesterol (LDL) to your “good” cholesterol (HDL). This ratio provides a more comprehensive view of cardiovascular risk than either measure alone, reflecting the balance between cholesterol being deposited in arteries versus cholesterol being removed for disposal.

Why is it Tested?

Doctors use LDL/HDL ratio to assess cardiovascular disease risk more accurately than individual cholesterol values. It helps stratify patients for treatment decisions and provides a single metric that captures the dynamic balance of cholesterol metabolism in your body.

Normal Ranges

Reference ranges vary by lab and cardiovascular risk assessment models:

Optimal: <2.5 ratio
Normal: 2.5–3.5 ratio
Elevated risk: >3.5 ratio

Lower ratios indicate better cardiovascular health, with optimal ratios suggesting effective cholesterol transport and removal.

Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.

Low Ratio (Optimal)

A low LDL/HDL ratio indicates:

Lower cardiovascular disease risk
Effective cholesterol transport and removal
Good balance of lipoproteins

High Ratio

Elevated ratios suggest:

Increased cardiovascular disease risk
Excess cholesterol deposition in arteries
Poor cholesterol clearance
Need for lifestyle or medical intervention

How to Track Over Time

Monitoring LDL/HDL ratio trends reveals how well your cardiovascular risk profile is responding to interventions. Improving ratios over time indicate successful risk reduction strategies, while worsening trends may warrant more aggressive treatment approaches.

LDL/HDL Ratio