A simple ratio balancing monocytes and “good” cholesterol to hint at inflammation and heart health.
The monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a calculated value, not a separate blood test. It compares the monocyte count, a type of white blood cell involved in inflammation, with HDL cholesterol, which has anti-inflammatory effects.
The formula is: monocyte count ÷ HDL cholesterol, using the units reported by the lab.
Monocytes drive inflammation in artery walls, while HDL counteracts it. Combining them into one ratio aims to capture the balance between pro-inflammatory and protective forces, and MHR has been studied as a marker of cardiovascular and inflammatory risk.
A higher ratio reflects more inflammatory activity relative to protection and has been associated with greater cardiometabolic risk. A lower ratio is more favourable.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
There is no firmly established healthy reference range for MHR. It is used in research as a relative risk marker, where higher values track with greater cardiovascular and inflammatory risk. Interpret as a trend with a clinician rather than against a fixed cutoff.
Monocyte count rises with infection and inflammation and varies through the day, so recent illness can inflate the ratio. HDL is affected by alcohol, smoking and some medications. The ratio is best measured when you are well and not acutely unwell.
Read with its components, monocyte count and HDL cholesterol, and alongside the full blood count, lipid panel and hs-CRP.
What does my MHR result mean? A higher MHR can suggest more inflammation and/or lower HDL. A lower MHR may indicate less inflammation. Use it with standard risk tests.
Do I need to fast for this test? No. Modern guidelines allow non‑fasting HDL. Keeping similar testing conditions helps compare results.
What can affect the result? Recent illness, hard workouts, smoking, alcohol, steroids, immunosuppressants, statins, fibrates, niacin, and hormone therapy can change MHR.
How often should I test it? Many people check it with routine blood work, often every 6 to 12 months, or when monitoring lifestyle changes.
How quickly will I get results? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Review your MHR alongside a lipid panel, hs‑CRP, and overall risk. Ask whether any medicines or recent illnesses might have influenced the value.
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