BiomarkersTotal cholesterol

Lipids

Total cholesterol

All the cholesterol in your blood

On your report it may say: Cholesterol, total

Total cholesterol adds up LDL, HDL and other cholesterol carriers. On its own it says little; what matters is the mix, especially LDL and HDL.

Updated 2026-10-26

Typical ranges · mg/dL

Desirable below 200
Borderline high 200–240
High 240+

mmol/L = mg/dL ÷ 38.67

Doctors judge heart risk using LDL, HDL, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history together.

Ranges vary by lab, age and sex. The range printed on your report applies.

If it's low

Low total cholesterol is usually fine.

Common causes

  • Healthy diet
  • Cholesterol medicines
  • Rarely, overactive thyroid or malnutrition

What you might notice

  • None

If it's high

Higher cholesterol can raise heart disease risk, depending on the LDL and HDL split.

Common causes

  • Diet high in saturated and trans fats
  • Excess weight
  • Underactive thyroid
  • Family history

What you might notice

  • Usually none

Testing

Who should test
All adults from their 20s, then every few years, or yearly with risk factors.
How to prepare
Fasting 9–12 hours is often requested.
When to retest
3 months after diet or medicine changes.

What can help

SYNC doesn't change your plan from this result alone. Use these only alongside your doctor's advice.

Food sources

Oats and barleyPulsesNutsFewer fried foods and vanaspati

Discuss your full lipid profile and heart risk with your doctor.

Common questions

Is total cholesterol enough to judge risk?

No, LDL and HDL tell you much more.

Does ghee raise cholesterol?

Large amounts of saturated fat can raise LDL in many people.

Explore further

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Cholesterol levels

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For general education only, not medical advice. Ranges shown are typical for adults; the range printed on your lab report applies. Talk to a qualified doctor about your results.