Total Cholesterol

Total Cholesterol

Total cholesterol is one component of the basic lipid panel. The basic lipid panel is a routine screening test that measures the amount of lipids (or fats) that are present in the blood. The two most important lipids are cholesterol and triglycerides. Our bodies use these as cellular building blocks as well as a source of energy. Abnormal levels may lead to a build-up of cholesterol “plaques” within blood vessel walls, which cause the vessels to harden in a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, when present, significantly increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The basic lipid panel provides valuable information and when combined with other blood tests and risk factor assessment (age, smoking status, family history, etc.) it guides healthcare providers in their treatment recommendations.
The basic lipid panel includes total cholesterol, which is an estimate of the body’s entire cholesterol content, low-density lipoproteins (LDL, or the “bad” cholesterol), high-density lipoproteins (HDL or “Good” Cholesterol), as well as triglycerides. Other subtypes of lipids are often reported as well.

Resources: American Heart Association: Cholesterol 101