Total cholesterol
On its own a rough indicator; ApoB/LDL/non-HDL and the ratio to HDL matter more.
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Good | below 5 mmol/L | Total cholesterol at optimum — the ratio to HDL matters more. |
| Worth improving | 5 – 6.2 mmol/L | Slightly elevated — review LDL/ApoB and HDL. |
| Talk to a doctor | 6.2 mmol/L and above | Elevated — assess cardiac risk (ApoB). |
Why it matters
On its own a rough indicator; ApoB/LDL/non-HDL and the ratio to HDL matter more.
If it’s low
Low total cholesterol is mostly favorable; a very low value is rare (liver disease, malnutrition).
If it’s high
Elevated total cholesterol may mean too much LDL (risky) or a lot of HDL (favorable) — the breakdown tells you which. Only the ratio and LDL/ApoB give the true risk picture.
What to do
Look at the breakdown (LDL/HDL/triglycerides) — it tells you whether the cause is risky (LDL) or not (HDL). To lower the risky part: less saturated fat, more fiber and movement.
Read together with
LDL cholesterol · HDL cholesterol · Triglycerides · non-HDL cholesterol
Part of the guide: Cholesterol & lipids →
Articles about this marker
This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
Your number, not the average
Upload your report: we rate your exact value for your age and sex, show the source, and tell you what to do next.