LDL Cholesterol Calculator
Calculate Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol using the Friedewald equation
Calculate LDL Cholesterol
Sum of all cholesterol particles
"Good" cholesterol
Lipid transport molecules
Friedewald Equation Limitations
Triglycerides < 100 mg/dL: Consider alternative equations for better accuracy.
LDL Cholesterol Results
Enter total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides to calculate LDL
Example Calculation
Example: TC = 230 mg/dL, HDL = 47 mg/dL, TG = 123 mg/dL
LDL = 230 - 47 - 0.2 × 123 = 158.4 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol Guidelines
Low Risk
< 115 mg/dL (< 3.0 mmol/L)
SCORE < 5%
Medium Risk
< 100 mg/dL (< 2.6 mmol/L)
SCORE 5-10%
High Risk
< 70 mg/dL (< 1.8 mmol/L)
SCORE > 10%
Important Notes
Fast for 9-12 hours before blood test
Not valid if TG > 400 mg/dL or < 100 mg/dL
May be inaccurate in Type I or III hyperlipoproteinemia
Accurate for most routine lipid profiles
Understanding LDL Cholesterol
What is LDL Cholesterol?
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and result in heart disease and stroke. LDL particles transport cholesterol from the liver to tissues throughout the body.
Why is LDL Important?
- •Primary marker for cardiovascular disease risk
- •Target for cholesterol-lowering therapy
- •Guides treatment decisions and monitoring
- •Helps assess atherosclerosis progression
The Friedewald Equation
LDL = TC - HDL - 0.2 × TG (mg/dL)
LDL = TC - HDL - 0.45 × TG (mmol/L)
- TC: Total cholesterol
- HDL: High-density lipoprotein
- TG: Triglycerides
- 0.2/0.45: Conversion factors for VLDL estimation
Note: Developed in 1972, this equation estimates LDL-C indirectly and has been the standard method for decades.
How to Lower LDL Cholesterol
Dietary Changes
- • Reduce saturated and trans fats
- • Increase soluble fiber (oats, beans, fruits)
- • Choose lean proteins
- • Limit dietary cholesterol
Lifestyle Changes
- • Regular aerobic exercise
- • Maintain healthy weight
- • Quit smoking
- • Limit alcohol consumption