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

Reviewed: April 22, 2014
Updated: 

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.