Total Cholesterol Test

What is the total cholesterol test?

This is a blood test that measures a type of fatty substance (lipid) in the blood called cholesterol. Your body uses cholesterol to make hormones and to build and maintain nerve cells. Most of the cholesterol in your blood is made by your liver from the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins you eat. You also get cholesterol by eating animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. The total cholesterol test measures the sum of 2 kinds of lipids that carry cholesterol in your blood: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Why is this test done?

The total cholesterol test helps check your risk for heart disease or atherosclerosis, which is a hardening, narrowing, or blockage of the arteries. A high level of total cholesterol in your blood increases your risk of heart disease.

If you have changed your diet and exercise habits or are taking medicine to lower your cholesterol levels, this test can show how well your treatment is working.

How do I prepare for this test?

• You may not need to fast overnight before this blood test unless other lipid tests are also being done. Ask your healthcare provider about this.
• Cholesterol levels are affected by fat in your diet. Avoid eating fatty foods the evening before your test.
• Don't drink any alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
• You may need to avoid taking certain medicines before the test because they might affect the test result. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about any medicines, herbs, or supplements that you are taking. Don't stop any of your regular medicines without first talking to your healthcare provider about it.
• Talk to your healthcare provider before the day of your test if you have any questions.

How is the test done?

A small amount of blood is taken from your arm with a needle or from your finger with a lancet. The blood is sent to a lab.

Having this test will take just a few minutes of your time. There is no risk of getting AIDS, hepatitis, or any other blood-borne disease from this test.

How will I get the test result?

Ask your healthcare provider when and how you will get the result of your test.

What does the test result mean?

You can use the chart below to see if your total cholesterol level is high:

 
Total Cholesterol Level (mg/dL) 
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less than 200      good
200 to 239         borderline high
240 or higher      high
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Some of the reasons your total cholesterol may be too high are:

• You have an inherited tendency to have high cholesterol.
• You eat too much saturated (animal) fat (butter, whole milk, red meat, fried fast food).
• You don't get enough exercise.
• You have hypothyroidism.
• You take certain medicines, such as steroids, beta blockers, or birth control pills.

What if my test result is high?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your healthcare provider about your result and ask questions.

If your test result is not normal, ask your healthcare provider:

• if you need additional tests
• what you can do to work toward a normal value
• when you need to be tested again.