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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Cardiovascular

Cholesterol levels: what do they tell you about your cardiovascular health?

Total cholesterol is the foundational lipid screening marker. Regular testing provides the first line of cardiovascular risk detection.

Reference Ranges

Male
mmol/l
Normal < 5 High
Female
mmol/l
Normal < 5 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the total amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood, combining all lipoprotein fractions.

Why It Matters

Total cholesterol is a basic screening marker for cardiovascular risk. However, the breakdown into HDL, LDL, and triglycerides provides more actionable information. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

When to Test

Total cholesterol is part of standard lipid screening recommended for all adults at regular intervals. Frequency depends on age and risk factors.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Very low total cholesterol is uncommon and may be associated with malnutrition, liver disease, or certain genetic conditions. Discuss with your healthcare provider.

High Levels

High total cholesterol typically does not cause symptoms but increases cardiovascular risk over time. Regular screening helps detect elevations early.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low total cholesterol is generally favourable.

If High

Elevated total cholesterol increases cardiovascular risk. Consider diet, exercise, and possibly statins.

Female

If Low

Low total cholesterol is generally favourable.

If High

Elevated total cholesterol increases cardiovascular risk. Consider diet, exercise, and possibly statins.

Lifestyle Tips

A balanced diet low in saturated fat, regular exercise, healthy weight maintenance, and not smoking support healthy cholesterol levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is total cholesterol enough for risk assessment?
Total cholesterol alone is insufficient. The HDL/LDL breakdown, triglycerides, and ratios provide much more useful risk information. Always review your full lipid panel.
Can total cholesterol be too low?
Very low total cholesterol may warrant investigation, though it is uncommon. Your healthcare provider can advise if your levels are outside the expected range.
Does fasting affect total cholesterol results?
Fasting mainly affects triglycerides. Total cholesterol and LDL/HDL are less affected, but your healthcare provider may still recommend fasting for accurate lipid panel results.