Calculator for calculating LDL Cholesterol levels using Total Cholesterol, HDL and Triglycerides levels using the Friedewald equation.
Formula:
Calculated LDL = Total Cholesterol – HDL Cholesterol – (VLDL or Triglycerides /5)
Principle:
To calculate LDL, labs have traditionally used a formula known as the Friedewald equation, a more expedient way to assess LDL compared with actually measuring it, which involves a cumbersome and expensive process called ultracentrifugation.
Note: The Friedewald formula is known to be inaccurate at extremely high triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. If there is any question about accuracy of estimated LDL, a direct level should be measured.
