LDL Cholesterol Calculator
Calculate LDL cholesterol using validated formulas and assess cardiovascular risk
LDL Cholesterol Calculator
Calculate your LDL cholesterol using validated formulas and assess cardiovascular risk
LDL Cholesterol Calculator
LDL Cholesterol Results
Cholesterol Breakdown
Recommendations
- Consider lifestyle modifications
- Reduce saturated fat intake
- Increase physical activity
- Check cholesterol annually
Cholesterol Composition
- LDL Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- VLDL (Triglycerides/5)
LDL Risk Categories
About LDL Cholesterol
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called "bad cholesterol" because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and result in heart disease and stroke.
What is LDL Cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the liver to tissues throughout the body. When there's too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it can build up in the walls of arteries, forming plaques that can narrow and block blood flow.
Calculation Methods
Friedewald Formula (Standard)
LDL = Total Cholesterol - HDL - (Triglycerides/5)
Most commonly used formula, but may be inaccurate when triglycerides exceed 400 mg/dL.
Martin/Hopkins Formula
Uses variable factors based on triglyceride levels for improved accuracy
More accurate than Friedewald when triglycerides are elevated (over 150 mg/dL).
Sampson Formula (Newest)
Uses a complex equation that accounts for the relationship between triglycerides and cholesterol
Most accurate method, especially for patients with high triglycerides or diabetes.
LDL Cholesterol Levels
- Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Near/Above Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
- Borderline High: 130-159 mg/dL
- High: 160-189 mg/dL
- Very High: 190 mg/dL and above
Risk Factors for High LDL
- Diet high in saturated and trans fats
- Lack of physical activity
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Family history of high cholesterol
- Certain medical conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism)
Lowering LDL Cholesterol
Lifestyle Changes:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (Mediterranean or DASH diet)
- Limit saturated fats to less than 7% of daily calories
- Avoid trans fats completely
- Include soluble fiber in your diet
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Don't smoke
Medical Treatment:
- Statins (most common cholesterol-lowering medications)
- Bile acid sequestrants
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- PCSK9 inhibitors (for very high-risk patients)
When to Get Tested
- Adults 20 and older: Every 4-6 years if low risk
- Every 1-2 years if borderline or high risk
- More frequently if on cholesterol-lowering medication
- Children and teens with family history: Starting at age 9-11
Important Note
This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with healthcare providers for interpretation of cholesterol levels and treatment decisions. Individual risk factors beyond cholesterol levels (such as blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and family history) are important in determining overall cardiovascular risk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, all calculators on Calculator Galaxy are completely free to use.
How accurate are the results?
Our calculators use standard mathematical formulas to provide accurate results.
Can I save my calculations?
Currently, results are not saved between sessions. We recommend taking a screenshot if you need to save your results.