Total Cholesterol blood test
All the cholesterol in your blood, carried by LDL, HDL and other particles.
- Typical range (adult men)
- below 200 mg/dL
- Panel
- Lipid Panel
- Also called
- TC
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
A broad heart-risk marker; LDL and HDL tell you more on their own.
What can raise it
- Diet, genetics and low activity
- Hypothyroidism
- Some anabolic compounds
What can lower it
- Statins
- Malnutrition or hyperthyroidism
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand (water is fine).
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Other lipid panel tests
Questions
What is a normal Total Cholesterol level?
A typical adult male reference range is below 200 mg/dL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high Total Cholesterol mean?
Common reasons include diet, genetics and low activity, hypothyroidism and some anabolic compounds. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low Total Cholesterol mean?
Common reasons include statins and malnutrition or hyperthyroidism.