LDL Cholesterol Calculator

Calculate your LDL ("bad cholesterol") level and cardiovascular risk

Age (years)

Gender Male Female

Calculation Method Friedewald Equation (Standard) Martin/Hopkins Method Direct Measurement (Enter LDL directly)

Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Triglycerides (mg/dL)

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Cardiovascular Risk Factors None 1-2 Risk Factors 3+ Risk Factors Diabetes or ASCVD

Your LDL Cholesterol Results

130 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol 130 mg/dL

HDL Cholesterol 50 mg/dL

Triglycerides 150 mg/dL

Total Cholesterol 200 mg/dL

Non-HDL Cholesterol 150 mg/dL

Optimal
<100 Near Optimal
100-129 Borderline High
130-159 High
160-189 Very High
≥190

Interpretation

Your LDL cholesterol level is in the Borderline High range. For someone with 3+ cardiovascular risk factors, the recommended LDL goal is <100 mg/dL. Consider lifestyle changes and consult your doctor about possible interventions.

Your LDL Level Borderline High (130-159 mg/dL)

Recommended LDL Goal <100 mg/dL

Cholesterol Ratio (Total/HDL) 4.0

Recommendations

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet (Mediterranean or DASH diet)
• Increase physical activity (150+ minutes moderate exercise weekly)
• Reduce saturated fats and eliminate trans fats
• Increase soluble fiber intake (oats, beans, fruits)
• Consider plant sterols/stanols (2g/day)
• If overweight, aim for 5-10% weight loss
• Discuss with your doctor about possible medication

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About LDL Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often called "bad cholesterol" because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and increase risk of heart disease and stroke.

LDL Calculation Methods

• Friedewald Equation (Standard):
  LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides/5)
  Note: Less accurate when triglycerides >400 mg/dL
• Martin/Hopkins Method:
  More accurate adjustment for very low or high triglyceride levels
  Uses an adjustable factor instead of fixed 5
• Direct Measurement:
  Laboratory measurement of LDL particles

LDL Cholesterol Categories

LDL Level (mg/dL)	Category
<100	Optimal
100-129	Near optimal/above optimal
130-159	Borderline high
160-189	High
≥190	Very high

Recommended LDL Goals Based on Risk

Risk Category	LDL Goal
Low risk (0-1 risk factors)	<160 mg/dL
Moderate risk (2+ risk factors)	<130 mg/dL
High risk (ASCVD or diabetes)	<100 mg/dL
Very high risk (ASCVD + multiple risk factors)	<70 mg/dL

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

• Age (men ≥45, women ≥55)
• Family history of early heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL)
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Overweight/obesity
• Physical inactivity

Non-HDL Cholesterol

Non-HDL cholesterol (Total Cholesterol - HDL) is increasingly recognized as a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone. It includes all atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a)).

What is LDL Cholesterol?

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), often called "bad cholesterol," carries cholesterol to your arteries. High LDL levels increase your risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. An LDL calculator estimates your LDL level when direct measurement isn't available.

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How is LDL Cholesterol Calculated?

The most common method is the Friedewald Equation, which estimates LDL using total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides.

Friedewald Formula

$$\text{LDL (mg/dL)}=\text{Total Cholesterol}-\text{HDL}-\left(\frac{\text{Triglycerides}}{5}\right)$$

*(Note: This works only if triglycerides are <400 mg/dL)*

Example Calculation:

• Total Cholesterol = 200 mg/dL

• HDL = 50 mg/dL

• Triglycerides = 150 mg/dL

$$\text{LDL}=200-50-\left(\frac{150}{5}\right)=200-50-30=\ast \ast 120mg\mathrm{/}dL\ast \ast$$

Iranian Formula (More Accurate for Triglycerides 150-400 mg/dL)

$$\text{LDL}=(\text{Total Cholesterol}-\text{HDL})-\left(\frac{\text{Triglycerides}}{8.5}\right)$$

Direct LDL Measurement (Lab Test)

• More precise but requires a blood test.

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LDL Cholesterol Categories

LDL Level (mg/dL)	Category	Risk Level
<100	Optimal	Lowest heart disease risk
100-129	Near Optimal	Low risk
130-159	Borderline High	Moderate risk
160-189	High	High risk
≥190	Very High	Very high risk

*(For people with diabetes or heart disease, <70 mg/dL may be recommended.)*

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Factors Affecting LDL Levels

✅ Dietary Factors (Saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol)
✅ Physical Activity (Exercise helps lower LDL)
✅ Genetics (Familial hypercholesterolemia)
✅ Weight (Obesity increases LDL)
✅ Medications (Statins, PCSK9 inhibitors lower LDL)

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How to Use an LDL Calculator

1. Input Required:

   • Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

   • HDL (mg/dL)

   • Triglycerides (mg/dL)

2. Output:

   • Estimated LDL level

   • Risk classification

3. Application:

   • Helps assess heart disease risk

   • Guides dietary & medical interventions

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Limitations of LDL Calculators

• Not accurate if triglycerides >400 mg/dL

• Does not account for LDL particle size (small, dense LDL is more harmful)

• Lab tests are more precise

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How to Lower LDL Naturally

✔ Eat heart-healthy fats (Avocados, nuts, olive oil)
✔ Increase fiber (Oats, beans, fruits)
✔ Exercise regularly (30+ min most days)
✔ Lose excess weight (Even 5-10% helps)
✔ Avoid trans fats & excess sugar

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When to See a Doctor

🚨 LDL >190 mg/dL (May need medication)
🚨 Family history of early heart disease
🚨 Existing heart disease or diabetes