LDL to HDL Cholesterol Ratio
Lipids marker
LDL/HDL Ratio
LDL to HDL Cholesterol Ratio
Calculated ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol. A higher ratio indicates greater atherogenic risk. Useful as a quick cardiovascular risk assessment.
PED Notes
AAS dramatically worsen this ratio through a dual mechanism: elevating LDL while simultaneously suppressing HDL. Oral 17-alpha-alkylated steroids cause the most severe distortion — ratios of 5-10+ are common on-cycle (vs ideal <2.5). Trenbolone is particularly harsh. Even injectable testosterone at supraphysiological doses worsens this ratio. Post-cycle recovery of this ratio depends primarily on HDL recovery, which can take 3-6 months.
Understanding LDL/HDL Ratio:
- <2.0: Optimal cardiovascular risk
- 2.0-2.5: Near optimal
- 2.5-3.5: Borderline high risk
-
3.5: High risk
-
5.0: Very high risk — common on AAS cycles
Supplements:
- Citrus Bergamot -- 500mg 2x/day (improves both LDL and HDL)
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 2-4g/day
- Niacin -- 500-1000mg extended-release (raises HDL, lowers LDL)
Lifestyle:
- Regular cardio 3-5x/week (most effective intervention — improves HDL)
- Increase dietary fibre
- If ratio >5.0 on-cycle, strongly consider shortening cycle or dropping oral AAS
- Monitor recovery post-cycle — ratio should normalise within 3-6 months
References:
- Cromwell, W. C., Otvos, J. D., Keyes, M. J., et al. (2007). LDL particle number and risk of future cardiovascular disease in the Framingham Offspring Study. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 1(6), 583-592. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2007.10.001
- Mora, S., Otvos, J. D., Rifai, N., et al. (2009). Lipoprotein particle profiles by NMR in predicting incident CVD in women. Circulation, 119(7), 931-939. DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.816181
- Millan, J., Pinto, X., Munoz, A., et al. (2009). Lipoprotein ratios: Physiological significance and clinical usefulness in cardiovascular prevention. Vascular Health and Risk Management, 5, 757-765. DOI: 10.2147/VHRM.S6269
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Reference Ranges
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