Heart Health High Cholesterol A Guide to Total Cholesterol By Jennifer Moll, PharmD Jennifer Moll, PharmD Facebook Jennifer Moll, MS, PharmD, is a pharmacist actively involved in educating patients about the importance of heart disease prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 28, 2022 Medically reviewed by Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI Medically reviewed by Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Yasmine Ali, MD, is board-certified in cardiology. She is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and an award-winning physician writer. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Are Lipoproteins? How Cholesterol Is Measured Why You Should Be Tested Understanding Results Total cholesterol represents the combined amount of "bad" cholesterol (low-density, or LDL) and "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) in your blood. The measurement is then compared to your individual HDL result to gauge your risk for heart disease and stroke. This comparison is telling because it reveals whether LDL, which is the one that can build up in your arteries and cause blockages, is or is not the predominant cholesterol type in your body. Verywell / Cindy Chung What Are Lipoproteins? The HDL and LDL lipoproteins are tiny “packages” in your blood, with fat (lipid) on the inside and proteins on the outside, that carry cholesterol throughout your body. You will often see them called the good cholesterol and the bad cholesterol. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) HDL is called the good cholesterol because it helps usher cholesterol out of your arteries. You hear a lot about keeping your cholesterol low. But in the case of the HDL component of total cholesterol, the higher your level, the better. The problem is, it can be hard to keep your HDL levels high. That’s because it’s often hard to control lifestyle factors that can lower it, including type 2 diabetes, being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and smoking. Genetic factors can also play a role. What Is HDL Cholesterol? Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) This “bad boy” of the cholesterol family needs to be kept at the lowest level you and your healthcare provider can achieve. Although statin medications can help, your diet matters. LDL cholesterol goes up if your diet is high in saturated and “trans” fat, also called trans-fatty acid. (This is the manufactured fat used to increase food products’ shelf life and flavor stability.) What Is LDL Cholesterol? Triglycerides Triglyceride is the most common type of fat in your body. It’s not cholesterol. But it’s measured because elevated triglyceride levels increase your risk of developing atherosclerosis—a buildup of fatty plaques on artery walls—and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Triglyceride Levels Explained How Total Cholesterol Is Measured This is done using a blood test called a lipoprotein panel, which also measures your triglycerides. Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the equation: HDL level + LDL level + 20% of your triglyceride level. Why You Should Be Tested Keeping total cholesterol levels within a healthy range is important for people of all ages, whether they have heart disease or not. If like many people, you have high blood cholesterol and don’t know it, the only way you can find out is by having your blood tested. By itself, high blood cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms. That’s why, if you’re age 20 years or older, you should have your cholesterol tested at least every five years. Understanding Results Test results for total cholesterol are expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood and raked desirable, borderline high, or high. Total Cholesterol Ranges Total cholesterol is ranked as follows:Desirable level: Less than 200 mg/dLBorderline high level: 200-239 mg/dLHigh level: 240 mg/dL and above Your total cholesterol level reflects your risk for heart disease. In general, the higher the level, the higher your risk. Why does the test also measure the lipoproteins in your total cholesterol as well as your triglycerides? LDL (“bad”) cholesterol is the main “engine” of cholesterol buildup and blockage in your arteries.HDL (“good”) cholesterol helps prevent heart disease by removing cholesterol from your arteries and sending it to your liver for elimination. Triglyceride is another form of fat in your blood that can increase your heart disease risk. If your total cholesterol is too high, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medications to lower it. Cholesterol Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. 2 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Heart Association. What your cholesterol levels mean. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. High blood cholesterol: also known as hypercholesterolemia. By Jennifer Moll, PharmD Jennifer Moll, MS, PharmD, is a pharmacist actively involved in educating patients about the importance of heart disease prevention. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit