Cholesterol & ApoB Risk Calculator

Go beyond total cholesterol. Enter your lipid panel to calculate TG/HDL ratio, non-HDL cholesterol, and ApoB risk — the markers that actually predict cardiovascular disease.

Recommended — ask your doctor to add ApoB to your next lipid panel. It's the most accurate measure of cardiovascular risk.

Optimal Targets Per Metric

LDL-C
< 100 mg/dL100–129≥ 130
Non-HDL-C
< 130 mg/dL130–159≥ 160
TG/HDL Ratio
< 2.02.0–3.5> 3.5
ApoB
< 90 mg/dL90–119≥ 120
Triglycerides
< 100 mg/dL100–149≥ 150
HDL-C
> 60 mg/dL (higher is better)40–59< 40
OptimalBorderlineHigh

Why ApoB Is Better Than LDL

Standard LDL-C measures the cholesterol content inside LDL particles — but it's actually the number of particles that matters. Two people can have the same LDL-C of 120 mg/dL while one has 800 large fluffy LDL particles (lower risk) and the other has 1,400 small dense particles (much higher risk). ApoB fixes this by counting one protein per atherogenic particle — every LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a) gets counted.

The research: Multiple meta-analyses show ApoB outperforms LDL-C as a predictor of cardiovascular events, especially in metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and high-triglyceride states. The European Atherosclerosis Society now recommends ApoB as the primary treatment target.

Target: For most people, ApoB below 90 mg/dL is the optimal goal. High-risk patients (prior heart attack, diabetes, FH) should aim for ApoB below 70 mg/dL.

What Your TG/HDL Ratio Reveals About Insulin Resistance

The triglyceride-to-HDL ratio is one of the best surrogate markers for insulin resistance available on a standard lipid panel. When insulin resistance develops, the liver overproduces VLDL (raising triglycerides) while HDL levels fall in parallel — driving the ratio upward.

What it predicts: A TG/HDL ratio above 3.5 strongly correlates with small dense LDL particles (pattern B), elevated HOMA-IR, visceral fat accumulation, and significantly higher cardiovascular risk — even when LDL-C appears normal. Studies show TG/HDL > 3.5 predicts insulin resistance with ~85% sensitivity.

How to improve it: Reduce refined carbohydrates and sugar (lowers TG), increase omega-3 fatty acids, exercise regularly (raises HDL), optimize sleep (poor sleep raises TG), and lose visceral fat. These interventions often move TG/HDL more than statins alone.

Non-HDL Cholesterol: The Underused Metric

Non-HDL-C (total cholesterol minus HDL) is calculated directly from your basic lipid panel with no additional cost. It captures all atherogenic lipoproteins — not just LDL but also VLDL, IDL, and remnant particles that LDL-C misses. The American Heart Association now lists non-HDL as a preferred secondary target after LDL-C, with a goal below 130 mg/dL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ApoB and why does it matter?
ApoB is the protein on every LDL particle. Since each atherogenic particle carries exactly one ApoB molecule, it directly counts the particles that cause arterial plaque — a better predictor than LDL cholesterol alone.
What is a good TG/HDL ratio?
Below 2.0 is ideal and suggests good insulin sensitivity with large, buoyant LDL particles. Between 2.0-3.5 is borderline. Above 3.5 suggests insulin resistance and predominance of small, dense LDL.
Can LDL cholesterol be normal but ApoB be high?
Yes. This discordance means you have more small, dense LDL particles than LDL-C suggests. ApoB is the better predictor of cardiovascular risk when the two disagree.
What is non-HDL cholesterol?
Total cholesterol minus HDL. It captures all atherogenic lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a)) in one number and is a good ApoB proxy when direct ApoB testing is unavailable.
How often should I get a lipid panel?
Every 1-2 years if values are normal and no risk factors. Every 3-6 months if you are on treatment (statins, diet changes) or if values are abnormal, to monitor treatment response.

Track your cholesterol trends over time

Upload your lab results to Vitalix and track ApoB, TG/HDL ratio, and non-HDL trends alongside medications, supplements, and lifestyle experiments. AI recommends which tests to add next.

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Also check your insulin resistance

TG/HDL ratio and HOMA-IR together give a complete metabolic picture

HOMA-IR Calculator →

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for interpretation of lab results and treatment decisions.