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Total cholesterol is the sum of LDL, HDL, and VLDL cholesterol circulating in your blood. In isolation it is one of the least predictive numbers for heart disease risk — a high total cholesterol driven entirely by high HDL is actually protective, while the same number driven by LDL is dangerous. Its main value is as a gateway that prompts a complete lipid panel including LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and ideally ApoB.
Also known as: CHOL, Cholesterol, Cholesterol (Total), Cholesterol Total, Cholesterol, Total, Serum Cholesterol, TC, Total Cholesterol
High total cholesterol may reflect elevated LDL, familial hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, or nephrotic syndrome. Low total cholesterol below 150 mg/dL is associated with increased cancer risk, hemorrhagic stroke, and hormonal deficiency.
Standard guidelines target below 200 mg/dL, but total cholesterol alone is a poor cardiovascular predictor. A total cholesterol of 220 with high HDL and low triglycerides can be healthier than 180 with the opposite pattern.