Total cholesterol
This test measure the amount of bad and good cholesterol in the blood. Eating healthy and exercising can reduce your risk for heart disease.
Total cholesterol Overview
Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Cholesterol is made in the liver and is a type of fat found in your blood.
Total cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Total cholesterol ranges are the following:
- Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL is desirable
- Total cholesterol of 200 to 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high
- Total cholesterol of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high
Technique
Blood draw
Preparation
Fasting 12 hours is required before the test.
Water is permitted.
What the results mean
Total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL is desirable and puts you at lower risk for coronary heart disease. A cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher raises your risk.
Total cholesterol of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high. A person with this level has more than twice the risk of coronary heart disease as someone whose cholesterol is below 200 mg/dL.
