for total cholestrol numbers......do you add the hdl & ldl together for a totall number???

Question

its gets a bit confusing.......would i like to know the correct answer in plain english please !!!!!

Answer 1

Actually, that's NOT correct. The formula, which is called the Friedewald equation, is:

Total cholesterol = LDL + HDL + (Triglycerides ÷ 5)

In fact, the majority of the time, when you have your cholesterol levels checked by the doctor, the only levels that are actually measured in the lab are your total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides. The LDL reported in the results is actually calculated using this formula.