Total cholesterol

Total cholesterol refers to the sum of all the cholesterol in a person's blood. It is a lipid molecule that is essential for all animal life, in both its biochemistry and cell structure. The body uses cholesterol to produce hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid in food digestion. However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of developing heart disease.

Overview

Cholesterol is produced by the body, primarily in the liver, and is also obtained from dietary sources, such as meat, poultry, and full-fat dairy products. The body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly, but too much cholesterol in the blood can stick to the walls of the arteries, forming plaque and leading to atherosclerosis, a type of heart disease.

Measurement

Total cholesterol is typically measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). It is often part of a lipid panel, a more comprehensive test that also measures low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides. LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries, while HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the body.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of having high total cholesterol, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, age, and genetics. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can also increase cholesterol levels.

Treatment

Treatment for high total cholesterol typically involves lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. If these changes are not enough, cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, may be prescribed.

See Also

• Cholesterol
• Lipid panel
• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis
• Statins