Heart and vessels
What is Total cholesterol?
your overall cholesterol level
- Unit
- mmol/L
- Sample
- Serum
- Fasting
- No fasting needed
- Turnaround
- 2 days
Total cholesterol is the sum of HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins in the blood. It is a rough measure that is read alongside the rest of the lipid panel.
Cholesterol is a building block of cell membranes and hormones and is made mostly in the liver. A single total value tells you only so much - it is the balance of HDL and LDL that drives cardiovascular risk.
What does low Total cholesterol mean?
Very low cholesterol is uncommon and can reflect liver disease, malnutrition, or an overactive thyroid.
What does high Total cholesterol mean?
High total cholesterol is a cardiovascular risk factor and reflects a mix of genetics, diet, weight, and physical activity.
Panels that measure Total cholesterol
- Heart Test Base
- Health Check Base
- Health Check Plus
- Heart Test Plus
- Heart Test Complete
- Blood Sugar Test Complete
- Health Check Complete
- Health Check Man
- Health Check Kvinna
Reading
More markers in the same area
Launching in Stockholm in 2026.
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This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: August 2026.