TC/HDL meaning
The TC/HDL ratio (also known as the cholesterol ratio) is the relationship between total cholesterol (TC) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), better known as ‘good’ cholesterol. This ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol level by the HDL level.
Medical professionals often consider this ratio a more significant indicator of the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and cardiovascular disease than total cholesterol alone. A high ratio indicates that there is a relatively large amount of ‘bad’ cholesterol compared to the protective HDL cholesterol. The lower the ratio, the more favorable it is for the health of your blood vessels.
TC/HDL values and interpretation
The TC/HDL ratio is a numerical value without a unit. For both men and women between the ages of 18 and 100, the same reference values apply for a healthy cholesterol profile.
TC/HDL values for men and women
Below is an overview of the TC/HDL ratio, allowing you to see the status of your cardiovascular health at a glance.
- Normal: A TC/HDL ratio between 0 and 2 is considered good. This low figure indicates a favorable balance of fats in the blood, minimizing the risk of plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the arteries.
- Caution: When the ratio is between 2 and 5, it is considered moderately elevated. While not immediately critical, the value is in a zone where extra attention to lifestyle, diet, and exercise is advisable to prevent further increases.
- High: A ratio between 5 and 15 is considered abnormal and too high. This indicates a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important to discuss these results with a doctor to consider treatment options or targeted lifestyle interventions.
- Invalid: A result of 0 is considered invalid. This usually indicates a technical issue during the laboratory analysis or insufficient testing material to perform a reliable calculation.
TC/HDL Ratio values and interpretation (in table)
You can also find the TC/HDL Ratio values and their interpretation in table form below, so you can easily understand what the values say about your health.
| Result | Unit | Value min-max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Ratio | 0 - 2 | 18 - 100 | Male/ Female | The TC/HDL ratio is good. |
| Caution | Ratio | 2 - 5 | 18 - 100 | Male/ Female | The TC/HDL ratio is moderately elevated. |
| Abnormal | Ratio | 5 - 15 | 18 - 100 | Male/ Female | The TC/HDL ratio is too high. |
