What It Measures
The total amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream, carried by lipoproteins.
Total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol in your blood, including LDL, HDL, and VLDL. It is a basic measure of cardiovascular risk.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated total cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. However, the ratio of HDL to LDL matters more than the total number alone.
Possible Symptoms
Usually asymptomatic until cardiovascular events occur. May present as xanthomas (fatty deposits under skin) in severe cases.
What Low Means
Very low cholesterol (below 120 mg/dL) may be associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, depression, and hormonal issues since cholesterol is a precursor for steroid hormones.
Possible Symptoms
Fatigue, mood changes, hormonal imbalances
Risk Factors
Heart disease, atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, stroke
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Omega-3 fatty acids
- •Plant sterols
- •Red yeast rice
- •Berberine
- •Psyllium fiber
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Increase soluble fiber intake (oats, beans, lentils)
- •Exercise 150+ minutes per week
- •Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats
- •Maintain healthy weight
- •Limit processed foods and refined carbs
Ask AI
Ask questions about your Total Cholesterol results, trends, and what you can do to optimize.
Historical Trend
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 181 mg/dL | -13.0 |
| 2025-08-25 | 194 mg/dL | — |