Total Cholesterol (Total Chol)
Cholesterol screening
What This Test Measures
Total cholesterol measures all the cholesterol in your blood, including 'good' HDL and 'bad' LDL cholesterol.
Normal Reference Ranges
| Gender | Age Range | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | All ages | 0.0000 - 200.0000 | mg/dL |
Understanding Your Results
Borderline
What it means: Your cholesterol is borderline high. This increases your risk for heart disease.
Common causes: Diet high in saturated fats, lack of exercise, obesity, family history, or aging.
Next steps: Your doctor will review your full lipid panel (HDL, LDL, triglycerides) and may recommend lifestyle changes or medication depending on other risk factors.
High
What it means: Your cholesterol is high (240 mg/dL or above), significantly increasing your heart disease risk.
Common causes: Genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia), diet high in saturated/trans fats, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes.
Next steps: Your doctor will review complete lipid panel, assess cardiovascular risk, and likely recommend both lifestyle changes and cholesterol-lowering medication (statins).
Normal
What it means: Your total cholesterol is at a desirable level, which supports heart health.
Common causes: Healthy diet, regular exercise, and good genetics.
Next steps: Continue heart-healthy habits including balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Lab test results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider in the context of your complete medical history and current health status. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult your doctor about your specific results.