Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

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Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Apr 15, 2025

LDL vs TG:HDL-C ratio: Key Differences Explained

Compare LDL and TG:HDL-C ratio to learn which marker is more relevant for health assessment.

Introduction

Both LDL and TG:HDL-C Ratio provide valuable insights into cardiovascular and metabolic health. This comparison explores how each marker plays a role in identifying heart disease risk and insulin resistance.

What Is LDL?

LDL is a lipoprotein responsible for transporting cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues. Elevated LDL increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

What Is TG:HDL-C Ratio?

TG-HDL-C-RATIO is a calculated ratio comparing triglyceride levels to HDL cholesterol. A high ratio may indicate insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and increased cardiovascular risk.

Comparison Table

Criteria

LDL

TG:HDL-C Ratio

Primary Function

Transports cholesterol to tissues; key marker of cholesterol burden.

Reflects balance between triglycerides and HDL; indicates metabolic efficiency.

Diagnostic Relevance

High levels increase risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

High ratio linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and inflammation.

Speed of Response

Relatively stable; changes with long-term intervention.

Responsive to dietary and lifestyle changes within weeks.

Specificity

Specific to cholesterol-related cardiovascular risk.

Captures broader metabolic and inflammatory risk.

Clinical Use

Used to assess need for statins or lipid-lowering interventions.

Screening marker for insulin resistance, especially in younger adults.

Measurement Units

mg/dL or mmol/L

Unitless ratio (Triglycerides ÷ HDL)

Normal Range

Below 100 mg/dL (optimal)

Below 2.0 (lower is better)

Best Use Case

Cardiovascular risk stratification and statin decision-making.

Detecting metabolic dysfunction and early insulin resistance.

Clinical Use Cases

LDL is used in standard lipid panels to assess cardiovascular risk and determine the need for cholesterol-lowering treatments like statins. It is central to most heart disease prevention protocols.

TG:HDL-C Ratio is increasingly recognized for detecting early metabolic dysfunction. It is particularly valuable for identifying insulin resistance and risk of Type 2 diabetes in younger populations.

Which Test Should You Choose?

LDL is a must-have in any cardiovascular risk screening. TG:HDL-C Ratio is useful if metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, or high triglycerides are concerns. Both offer complementary insights into lipid and metabolic health.

Using Both Together

LDL gives a clear picture of cholesterol-related risk, while TG:HDL-C Ratio reveals hidden metabolic stress. Together, they provide a holistic view of cardiovascular and metabolic risk and help personalize prevention strategies.

Pros and Limitations

  • LDL Pros: Clinically validated and therapeutically actionable.

  • LDL Limitations: Does not capture triglyceride or insulin-related issues.

  • TG:HDL-C Ratio Pros: Sensitive early marker for metabolic dysfunction.

  • TG:HDL-C Ratio Limitations: Requires both triglyceride and HDL data; not widely used in conventional guidelines yet.

When to Test

LDL should be checked every 4–6 years for low-risk adults, and more often for those with heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. TG:HDL-C Ratio is most useful in annual physicals for those at risk for metabolic syndrome or obesity.

FAQs

What does a high TG:HDL-C ratio mean?

It often points to insulin resistance, especially if the ratio is above 3.0 in conventional units.

Can TG:HDL-C be improved naturally?

Yes. Weight loss, reducing refined carbs, and increasing omega-3 intake can improve the ratio significantly.

Is LDL still important if TG:HDL-C is normal?

Yes. LDL and TG:HDL-C measure different aspects of heart and metabolic health and should both be monitored.

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What would cost you $15,000? $399 with Mito.

No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.

What's included

Core Panel - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers

Clinician reviewed insights and action plan

1:1 consultation with a real clinician

Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking

Dedicated 1:1 health coaching

Duo Bundle (For 2)

Most popular

$798

$760

5% off

Individual

$399

$349

13%

What would cost you $15,000? $399 with Mito.

No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.

What's included

Core Panel - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers

Clinician reviewed insights and action plan

1:1 consultation with a real clinician

Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking

Dedicated 1:1 health coaching

Duo Bundle (For 2)

Most popular

$798

$760

5% off

Individual

$399

$349

13%

What would cost you $15,000? $399 with Mito.

No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.

What's included

Core Panel - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers

Clinician reviewed insights and action plan

1:1 consultation with a real clinician

Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking

Dedicated 1:1 health coaching

Duo Bundle (For 2)

Most popular

$798

$760

5% off

Individual

$399

$349

13%

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© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

Company

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

Company

Inquire

Join our newsletter

The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.