Determine your ideal cholesterol targets (LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and more) based on medical guidelines and your cardiovascular risk level.
Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides general educational estimates. Always consult your prescribing physician or healthcare provider before making medication changes or interpreting results from population-based models.
BMI: 0.0
Risk Category: Low Risk
Calculated Non-HDL: 0 mg/dL
This calculator estimates your recommended lipid targets based on medical guidelines and your personal risk factors. The color-coded status indicators help you identify which values need improvement:
Note: These are general guidelines based on current medical recommendations. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and interpretation of your lipid panel results.
This calculator helps you understand your ideal cholesterol goals based on medical guidelines. Here's how to use it:
You can also use the sample profiles to see how different lipid patterns might be evaluated based on cardiovascular risk.
Your cardiovascular risk category is determined based on a combination of factors:
Your risk category determines the specific target ranges for your lipid values based on current clinical guidelines.
A lipid panel (or lipid profile) is a blood test that measures various lipids (fats) in your blood, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. It's a key tool for assessing cardiovascular health and risk for heart disease.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for processing and elimination.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein found on the surface of LDL, VLDL, and other atherogenic particles. Each atherogenic particle contains exactly one ApoB molecule, making ApoB a direct measure of the number of potentially harmful lipid particles in your bloodstream. Some experts consider ApoB a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol.
Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL (good) cholesterol from total cholesterol. It represents all the "bad" cholesterol types in your bloodstream, including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a). It's considered a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone, especially in people with high triglycerides.
While A1C (glycated hemoglobin) isn't part of a standard lipid panel, it's included in this calculator because diabetes and prediabetes significantly increase cardiovascular risk. Elevated blood glucose levels (measured by A1C) often correlate with unhealthy lipid profiles and compound the risk of cardiovascular disease.
For adults with normal risk, the general recommendation is to get a lipid panel every 4-6 years. However, if you have risk factors for heart disease or abnormal previous results, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing, possibly annually or even more often.
Yes, several lifestyle modifications can significantly improve your lipid profile:
- Regular physical activity (aim for 150+ minutes per week)
- A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Limited intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
- Moderate alcohol consumption (if you drink)