What Is The LDL HDL Ratio?

The LDL HDL ratio is a measurement of the ratio between the two types of cholesterol found within the human body: high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. Although cholesterol is believed to be associated with negative health conditions such as heart disease, recent studies have demonstrated that by maintaining a proper ratio between HDL (good cholesterol), and LDL (bad cholesterol), the risk of contracting heart-related diseases can be effectively reduced. HDL levels tend to be lower than LDL levels, and for this reason, it is important to follow a nutritional plan designed to lower LDL and raise HDL.

The ratio is obtained by dividing the estimated HDL levels into the estimated LDL levels. The resulting ratio can help to determine whether or not an individual has an increased risk of getting heart disease or having a heart attack. Most health professionals recommend that regardless of the resulting ratio that is calculated, individuals should attempt to lower their overall LDL levels as a primary goal. You also want to increase your HDL levels to attack the ratio from that angle.

An ideal ratio would be a number that falls between 0.3 and 0.4. Ratios that are above 0.4 imply a higher risk of heart disease, as higher ratios are associated with an inadequate balance between both cholesterol types, with LDL cholesterol at risky levels. It is important to maintain HDL cholesterol at a stable level, as it plays an important role in counteracting against the negative effects of LDL cholesterol.

In conclusion, those who are interested in establishing proper levels of cholesterol should try to eat foods rich in specific substances containing high-density lipoproteins. These will include nuts rich in saturated fats (walnuts, almonds, and pecans), fish oil, olive oil, and any other foods that contain Omega 3 fatty acids. In addition, foods that contain large amounts of LDL cholesterol should be avoided as much as possible.