Why is your HDL higher than your LDL?

Is it healthy to have a higher HDL cholesterol ratio to LDL cholesterol with the same cholesterol level?

• had a test for cholesterol level last year, and one this week. The results were the same cholesterol level, except the ratio of HDL to LDL has increased. I believe HDL lowers level of LDL cholesterol, so is this a healthy sign and why shouldn't the overall cholesterol level decrease as a result? thanks in advance

• Answer:

  Hi Nixodian, LDL: HDL Ratio This ratio compares the amount of bad (LDL) cholesterol to your good (HDL) cholesterol levels. You want a ratio less than 3.5, ideally less than 2.5. To calculate your ratio, divide LDL by HDL. For example, your HDL is 55 and LDL is 100. 100 divided by 55 equals a ratio of 1.8. All the best, Lisa Nelson RD How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps - http://www.lisanelsonrd.com/howtolowercholesterol.html