DUHOK POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

SHEKHAN TECHNICAL COLLEGE

PUBLIC HEALTH
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY

Student name: Marwa Farhan Khdr

Assaigment question: Why we divide TG/5

estimation of LDL?

Answer:
The reason why we divide TG/5 to estimate LDL cholesterol is because very-low-
density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol is the major component of triglycerides (TG).
VLDL cholesterol is also a major determinant of LDL cholesterol levels. By dividing
TG by 5, we can get a rough estimate of VLDL cholesterol levels. This estimate can
then be used to calculate LDL cholesterol levels using the Friedwald equation:

LDL cholesterol = Total cholesterol - HDL cholesterol - (TG/5)

Here are some additional reasons why we divide TG/5 to estimate LDL:

 TG is relatively easy to measure in a blood sample.

 The ratio of TG to VLDL cholesterol is relatively constant in healthy
individuals.
 The Friedwald equation is a well-established and validated method for
estimating LDL cholesterol levels.