High cholesterol is a growing problem for older Americans, and is often a numbers game. Here is some information to help you understand cholesterol ratios and determine what your ideal ratio is.

Normally, when you have a cholesterol test, you will have some blood drawn. It will then be measured for the amount of cholesterol it contains. Often, your doctor will not only test your total cholesterol, but the different types of cholesterol in your blood. This is because the different kinds of cholesterol have different effects on your heart and body. By understanding how they relate to each other, you and your doctor can get a better picture of your overall health.