The process involves dividing the triglyceride value by the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value. Both values must be measured in the same units, either milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). For instance, if an individual has a triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL and an HDL level of 50 mg/dL, the result is 3.0. This numerical value represents the proportion of triglycerides relative to HDL cholesterol.
This proportion serves as an easily obtainable indicator of cardiovascular health. Research suggests that a higher proportion may correlate with increased risk factors for heart disease, such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and small, dense LDL particles. Historically, its simplicity has made it a valuable tool in initial risk assessments, even before more complex lipid panels became widely available.
