Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol in the blood, including LDL, HDL and other fractions.
Total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol in the blood, including LDL, HDL and other fractions. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance the body needs to build cells and make hormones and vitamin D. Most of it is made by the liver, and the rest comes from food. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
Saturated fat, refined sugar and highly processed food, little physical activity and genes all affect total cholesterol. It also tends to rise with age and, for women, after menopause. Very low intake and some medicines, such as statins, lower it.
Foods that help
Oats, barley, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, fatty fish and olive or rapeseed oil as part of a varied diet. Regular movement.
Foods to limit
Butter, cream, fatty meat and processed meat, pastries, fried food and highly processed snacks.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →