Cholesterol Calculator
Your lab numbers
For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Lipid Profile Interpreter
Samjhe apni blood report — enter values from your lab report, we explain in simple Hindi + English.
If not in your report, we calculate it via Friedewald: LDL = Total − HDL − Trig/5
What it means
What is a Lipid Profile?
Enter your report values on the left to see your personalized breakdown.
Good Cholesterol - the bodyguard. Clears your arteries. Keep this HIGH — 60+ is best. Goes up with exercise.
Bad Cholesterol - the villain. Builds up in your arteries and causes blockages. Keep this LOW — under 100 is best.
Extra fat from food. Goes up with sugar, oil and alcohol. Under 150 is best.
The sum of all your cholesterol - but looking at HDL and LDL separately matters more.
What is a Lipid Profile Test?
A lipid profile (also called a cholesterol test) measures four numbers in your blood: Total Cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and Triglycerides. VLDL is usually calculated, not measured directly, as Triglycerides ÷ 5. Doctors order this test to estimate your risk of heart disease and stroke — it's one of the most common blood tests in India, especially for anyone over 30, diabetics, or people with a family history of heart disease.
HDL vs LDL — Good vs Bad Cholesterol
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is the "good" cholesterol — think of it as a bodyguard that picks up excess cholesterol from your arteries and carries it back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL is better; you want this number HIGH.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is the "bad" cholesterol — it's the villain that deposits cholesterol inside artery walls, forming plaque that narrows and blocks blood flow over time. Lower LDL is better; you want this number LOW.
| Cholesterol | Role | Direction you want |
|---|---|---|
| HDL | Bodyguard — cleans arteries | HIGH ↑ |
| LDL | Villain — blocks arteries | LOW ↓ |
| Triglycerides | Stored fat from sugar/oil | LOW ↓ |
Normal Lipid Profile Values in India
Based on NCEP ATP III guidelines, with Indian diabetic-specific targets called out separately:
| Test | Desirable | Borderline | High | Target for Diabetics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | <200 | 200-239 | ≥240 | <200 |
| HDL (Male) | ≥60 | 40-59 | <40 low | ≥40 |
| HDL (Female) | ≥60 | 50-59 | <50 low | ≥50 |
| LDL | <100 | 130-159 | ≥160 | <100 (<70 if heart disease) |
| Triglycerides | <150 | 150-199 | ≥200 | <150 |
Why Do Indians Have Low HDL and High Triglycerides?
Indian lipid profiles have a distinct pattern compared to Western populations: low HDL and high triglycerides are far more common, even in people who aren't overweight. The Indian Heart Association points to a few contributing factors — a diet traditionally high in refined carbohydrates (white rice, maida) and low in protein, generous use of ghee and deep frying, comparatively low levels of structured exercise, and a genetic predisposition toward central (abdominal) fat storage and insulin resistance. This combination means Indians can have heart disease risk at LDL levels that would look "borderline" elsewhere — which is exactly why ratios like Trig/HDL matter so much here.
How to Increase HDL and Decrease LDL — Indian Diet Plan
- Swap refined oil for mustard oil or groundnut oil in daily cooking
- Eat a handful of almonds or walnuts daily — healthy fats raise HDL
- Add oats, dalia, and whole grains instead of maida-based bakery items
- Increase dal, lauki, bhindi, and fibrous vegetables — fiber binds LDL in the gut
- Cut down mithai, cold drinks, and alcohol — the biggest triglyceride drivers
- Walk briskly for 30+ minutes daily — one of the fastest ways to raise HDL
- Quit smoking — smoking directly lowers HDL and damages artery walls
What is Non-HDL and Why It Matters More for Indians?
Non-HDL Cholesterol is simply Total Cholesterol minus HDL — it captures all the "bad" cholesterol particles (LDL, VLDL, and other lipoproteins) in one number, without needing the Friedewald calculation that LDL relies on. Because triglycerides are frequently elevated in Indian lipid profiles — which can make calculated LDL less reliable — many doctors consider Non-HDL a more dependable risk marker for Indian patients. The target is under 130 mg/dL for most people, and under 100 mg/dL for those with diabetes or existing heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is normal cholesterol level?
A normal Total Cholesterol is under 200 mg/dL, LDL under 100 mg/dL, HDL above 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women), and Triglycerides under 150 mg/dL — all as per NCEP ATP III guidelines.
What should HDL be?
Men should aim for HDL of 40 mg/dL or above, women for 50 mg/dL or above — but 60 mg/dL or higher is considered optimal and protective for both.
LDL high means what?
High LDL means excess "bad" cholesterol is circulating and can deposit in your artery walls, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke over time. LDL above 160 mg/dL is considered high, and above 190 mg/dL very high — needing medical attention.
How to lower high triglycerides?
Cut sugar, cold drinks, alcohol, and refined carbs (white rice, maida) — these are the biggest triglyceride drivers. Regular exercise and modest weight loss also lower triglycerides quickly, often within weeks.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL?
HDL carries excess cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver (protective — you want it high). LDL deposits cholesterol into artery walls, forming plaque (harmful — you want it low).
How to calculate LDL if not in report?
Use the Friedewald formula: LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5). This works well when triglycerides are under 400 mg/dL; above that, ask your lab for a direct LDL measurement.