A test of the LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio can provide information about the risks of cardiovascular disease. LDL cholesterol is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can increase the risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because it can reduce the risk of heart disease.
To calculate the ratio, the LDL cholesterol value is divided by the HDL cholesterol value. The higher the ratio, the higher the risk of heart disease.