What it measures
Your total cholesterol divided by your HDL cholesterol. It is worked out from those two results rather than measured on its own. HDL carries cholesterol back to the liver, so more HDL gives a lower ratio.
Why people test it
- Part of a standard cholesterol check, alongside total, HDL and LDL cholesterol.
- Used in heart and circulation risk scores, including the one used in NHS Health Checks.
- Monitored by people on statins or other cholesterol-lowering medicines.
- Anabolic steroids can lower HDL sharply, which raises this ratio. Some people on TRT track it too.
Typical range
Ranges and cut-offs vary by lab, method, age and sex, and your report shows the lab's own range. A lower ratio means more of your total cholesterol is HDL.
Finger-prick or vein?
A finger-prick sample is usually fine, as cholesterol is routinely measured from small samples. Providers offer both finger-prick kits and vein draws.