LDL/HDL
The LDL/HDL ratio compares LDL cholesterol with HDL cholesterol, showing the balance between the two in one number.
The LDL/HDL ratio compares LDL cholesterol with HDL cholesterol, showing the balance between the two in one number. LDL carries cholesterol out to the body’s cells, and HDL carries surplus cholesterol back to the liver. The ratio is calculated from the two measured values and gives a view of the blood fat balance beyond either value alone. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
Anything that moves LDL or HDL moves the ratio. A diet high in saturated and trans fats, refined carbohydrates and sugar, little physical activity, extra weight around the waist and smoking tend to raise it. Genes, stress and some medicines also play a part.
Foods that help
Vegetables, legumes, oats, nuts, olive oil, rapeseed oil and fatty fish fit well. Regular aerobic exercise is one of the habits most often linked with a higher HDL.
Foods to limit
Saturated and trans fats from fatty meat, butter, pastries and fried food, along with sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates, tend to push the ratio up. Smoking lowers HDL.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →