LipidsReported in mg/dLTotal cholesterol
The sum of cholesterol in your blood. It is a headline number, and the LDL and HDL split underneath it is what gives it meaning.
What it measures
Total cholesterol adds the cholesterol carried by LDL, HDL, and the other lipoproteins. A desirable adult result is under 200 mg/dL. Two people with the same total can have very different risk if one has a high HDL and the other has a high LDL. That is why the panel reports the pieces, not only the sum.
Why it is on the panel
Cholesterol screening is a core preventive test because artery disease is common and silent for years. The number is also a baseline. Diet, weight, thyroid status, and medicines move it, and you can see that on the next draw.
How to read it
Look at LDL and HDL before you react to the total. A total of 210 with an HDL of 80 is a different picture from a total of 210 with an HDL of 35 and a high LDL. An underactive thyroid, reported in the thyroid group, can raise cholesterol.
When it runs higher
Diet, genetics (including familial hypercholesterolemia), hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and some medicines raise the total. A result of 240 mg/dL or higher is the range usually called high in adults.
When it runs lower
A low total can reflect a very low HDL, malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, or liver disease severe enough to cut cholesterol production. Lower is not automatically better if HDL is the part that fell.
Before the draw
Fast for 12 hours beforehand, with water allowed. A recent meal raises triglycerides and can shift the rest of the lipid panel.
Same group
Other Lipids tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.