Total Cholesterol
Everything you need to know about Total Cholesterol levels, including what normal ranges look like and what abnormal results might indicate.
Standard Reference Range
Unit: mg/dLReference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Always consult your doctor for interpretation.
What is Total Cholesterol?
Total Cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol types in your blood: LDL (bad), HDL (good), and VLDL. It's a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
Key Takeaway
Total cholesterol alone doesn't tell the whole story. HDL and LDL levels are more important for assessing heart disease risk.
Why is this test performed?
Total cholesterol testing helps:
- Screen for cardiovascular disease risk
- Monitor cholesterol-lowering treatment
- Assess metabolic health
- Guide lifestyle and medication decisions
- Evaluate familial hypercholesterolemia
Interpreting Your Results
Cholesterol Categories
Desirable:
- ＜200 mg/dL: Optimal for most adults
Borderline High:
- 200-239 mg/dL: Increased risk, lifestyle changes recommended
High:
- ≥240 mg/dL: High risk, treatment usually needed
Understanding the Components
Total Cholesterol = LDL + HDL + (Triglycerides/5)
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): "Bad" cholesterol
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): "Good" cholesterol
- VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein): Carries triglycerides
High Total Cholesterol Causes
Lifestyle Factors:
- High saturated fat diet
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Smoking
Medical Conditions:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Medications:
- Steroids
- Beta-blockers
- Thiazide diuretics
Lowering Cholesterol
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Reduce saturated and trans fats
- Increase fiber intake
- Exercise regularly (30 min/day)
- Maintain healthy weight
- Quit smoking
Medications (if needed):
- Statins (most effective)
- Ezetimibe
- PCSK9 inhibitors
- Bile acid sequestrants
Important Notes
- Total cholesterol can be misleading. A person with high HDL might have high total cholesterol but low risk
- Always review LDL and HDL for complete picture
- Non-HDL cholesterol is increasingly used for risk assessment
Related Tests
- LDL Cholesterol: Primary target for treatment
- HDL Cholesterol: Protective factor
- Triglycerides: Another cardiovascular risk factor
- Apolipoprotein B: Advanced lipid marker
Decode your Total Cholesterol Results
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