Total Cholesterol

Lipid PanelHeart & VesselsBlood

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood.

Why it matters: Too much cholesterol can block blood vessels, which makes heart problems and stroke more likely.

Source · NHS — what it is, why it matters, what moves it

Reference Range
< 5.2mmol/L
5.2NormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Fatty food
Little physical activity
Excess weight
Smoking
Alcohol

May decrease with:

Healthier eating
More physical activity
Related Markers
LDL CholesterolHDL CholesterolTriglyceridesApolipoprotein B
Common questions

What is Total Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood.

What might a high or low Total Cholesterol mean?

Too much cholesterol can block blood vessels, which makes heart problems and stroke more likely.

What is the typical reference range for Total Cholesterol?

The general-population reference range shown here is < 5.2 mmol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Total Cholesterol?

It may be higher with: Fatty food, Little physical activity, Excess weight, Smoking, Alcohol. It may be lower with: Healthier eating, More physical activity.

More in Lipid Panel
ApoB/ApoA1 RatioApolipoprotein A1Apolipoprotein BHDL CholesterolLDL CholesterolLipoprotein(a)Non-HDL CholesterolRemnant CholesterolTriglyceridesVLDL Cholesterol

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