LDL Calculator

what is ldl-calculator?

The LDL Cholesterol Calculator determines the amount of LDL in your body by using the three direct measures from the standard lipid profile: total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Doctors recommend adults to get tested once every four to six years with no risk factors for heart disease. Children should be tested at least once between the ages of 9 and 11 and once again between the ages of 17 and 21.

Why is LDL cholesterol important?

Elevated LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol results in numerous health problems, including cardiovascular disease. However, correct proportions of LDL are needed and have certain benefits in your body. As per medical research, the presence of LDL plays an important part in gaining muscle mass during resistance training. Our tissues need cholesterol, and LDL provides it. Once the repair is done, HDL, the good cholesterol restores things back. Apart from this LDL acts like a watchdog in the body and warns us in case there is an increase of cholesterol levels in the body.

How to calculate LDL cholesterol?

The Friedewald equation is the widely used method to calculate LDL-C concentration when a lipid panel is performed. The equation is:

LDL cholesterol (mg/dL) = total cholesterol – HDL cholesterol – (triglycerides/5),

where “triglycerides/5” is used to represent very low density lipoprotein-C (VLDL-C). This equation provides a reliable estimate of LDL-C in most cases when the triglycerides concentration is between 1.13 and 4.35 mmol/L (100 to 400 mg/dL).

What is a normal LDL level?

For adults, LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL. Levels of 100 to 129 mg/dL do not indicate risks for healthy people but may be a warning for those with heart disease or heart disease risk factors. A reading of 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high and 160 to 189 mg/dL is high. A reading of 190 mg/dL or higher is considered very high and calls for immediate medical help.

LDL cholesterol levels for children should be even lower than that of adults. The optimal range of LDL cholesterol for a child is less than 110 mg/dL. Borderline high is from 110 to 129 mg/dL while high is over 130 mg/dL.

How can I lower my LDL naturally?

The right kind of food, proper exercise and quitting a few bad habits can easily bring down your LDL.

Don’t smoke or drink: Apart from all the other injurious effects that smoking and drinking have on your body, they also play a part in reducing the good HDL cholesterol which keeps your heart safe. We have listed below the kind of foods and exercises that help you to stay healthy by reducing the LDL levels in your body.

What food lowers cholesterol the most?

Though it is recommended to consume food keeping in mind your LDL levels, it does not mean you can’t have a satisfactory meal. You might be deprived of a few of your favourite dishes, but there’s plenty of options to substitute them in your plate

1. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats: Food with trans fat is better avoided if you are looking to lower your LDL levels. Trans fat increases our risk of heart disease by increasing LDL cholesterol and lowering HDL cholesterol in your blood by at least 20% .

2. Eat more polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids help lower LDL. Most plant-derived oils, including canola, safflower, sunflower, olive, grapeseed, and peanut oils, contain both. Fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, trout, herring, and mackerel), seeds, nuts, avocados and soybeans are also great sources.

3. Consume a lot fruits such as Apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits.

4. Foods fortified with sterols and stanols. Sterols and stanols extracted from plants boost up the body's ability to absorb cholesterol from food.

5. Fatty fish has Omega-3 which reduces triglycerides in the bloodstream and also protect the heart by helping prevent the onset of abnormal heart rhythms.

Does Exercise Lower Cholesterol?

If your cholesterol levels are bordering on the high side, including regular exercise in your daily routine is a healthy decision. The right kinds of workouts, done regularly, can raise HDL cholesterol levels and drop triglyceride levels to protect your heart. As per research a combination of aerobic (cardio) and resistance training reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease. It is suggested that at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. You can also make your workouts more exciting by combining moderate and vigorous activities.

When not to use ldl calculator?

The Friedewald equation that is used by the LDL Calculator is not valid for patients with TGs >400 and in patients for type 3 dyslipoproteinemia. Moreover, the results and recommendations provided by this calculator are intended only to inform and are not meant to replace clinical judgment.