The ratio of good cholesterol (HDL) to total cholesterol was the benchmark considered by doctors in the past to assess the health of our heart. But, that belief is steadily vanishing among today's medical community. Nowadays, most doctors have began to increasingly consider bad cholesterol (LDL) as the best way to determine the health of our heart. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) are the two kinds of cholesterol that constitutes Total Cholesterol. And, in this High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol that gives protection to our heart and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol that has a harmful effect on the heart.

Cholesterol is a fat that is made in the liver. Despite the fact that it is a fat, it is a nutrient that is vital for the bodily functions. Unless you consume a diet that has large quantities of saturated fats in it, liver will only produce cholesterol in the required amounts. The bad cholesterol (LDL), which results from the inability of the liver to dispose of the excess cholesterol, gets accumulated in the arteries of the heart in the form of plaque and narrows the walls of the arteries. Thus, the blood flow to the heart is limited and as the plaque grows to a particular stage, the blood flow is blocked.

There is a theory that "a higher ratio of something good to something bad is always better". Even though this there is valid in the case of a healthy heart as well, doctors have used this theory to weigh bad cholesterol (LDL) to good cholesterol instead of good cholesterol to total cholesterol.

The ratio of your bad cholesterol (LDL) to your good cholesterol (HDL) can be used to know your probability of having a heart attack or stroke. A ratio of 3.2 points at the fact that your are at a lower probability of having a heart attack or stroke. It can also be used to understand the levels of good and bad cholesterol. A ratio of 1.7 is considered optimal.

In general, if you have blood pressure above the recommended levels, if you smoke cigarettes or if heart disease is a hereditary disease of your family, your probability of being affected by a heart disease increases. Even if you cannot account for your heredity, you can regulate high blood pressure and abstain from smoking.

It is extremely crucial that you have thorough knowledge about your cholesterol numbers such as total cholesterol, HDL and LDL. Depending on a physician is a great way to regulate your excess cholesterol. Taking measures to prevent heart diseases is better than going foe medical help when you are affected with one. Always remember, prevention is better than cure.