How is the cholesterol ratio calculated?

• A. HDL divided by Total Cholesterol
• B. Total Cholesterol minus HDL
• C. HDL plus Total Cholesterol
• D. Total Cholesterol divided by HDL

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that the cholesterol ratio is a single value that compares total cholesterol to HDL, forming a ratio TC/HDL. Total cholesterol covers all cholesterol in the blood, including HDL (the protective type). Dividing total by HDL yields a number that reflects how much cholesterol is present relative to the “good” cholesterol. A higher TC/HDL ratio generally indicates higher cardiovascular risk, while a lower ratio suggests a more favorable balance.

This is why the correct approach is total cholesterol divided by HDL. Using HDL over total would give an inverse ratio, which isn’t the standard metric. Subtracting or adding HDL to total doesn’t create the risk-tracking ratio clinicians use.