Search for
Total Cholesterol
Heart
Report in 4Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
Lipid profile to assess cardiovascular risk by measuring sum of good and bad cholestrols
₹39₹180
78% OFF
Total Cholesterol Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Measures the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including both LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol plus one-fifth of triglycerides
- Assesses cardiovascular risk and the likelihood of developing heart disease or stroke
- Screens for hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol levels) in asymptomatic individuals
- Monitors cholesterol levels in patients on lipid-lowering medications (statins, fibrates)
- Evaluates metabolic disorders and liver disease where cholesterol metabolism may be affected
- Routine screening recommended every 4-6 years in adults ages 20 and older; more frequently in those with risk factors or established cardiovascular disease
- Normal Range
- Desirable Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL (5.18 mmol/L)
- Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL (5.18-6.19 mmol/L)
- High: 240 mg/dL and above (≥6.22 mmol/L)
- Units of Measurement: Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L)
- Normal Results: Indicate acceptable cholesterol levels with lower risk for cardiovascular disease; no immediate intervention required but lifestyle modifications recommended
- Abnormal Results: Elevated levels increase cardiovascular risk; borderline results warrant monitoring and lifestyle changes; high results may require pharmacological intervention
- Interpretation
- Less than 200 mg/dL (Desirable): Optimal level with minimal cardiovascular risk; patient should maintain current lifestyle through regular exercise, heart-healthy diet, and weight management
- 200-239 mg/dL (Borderline High): Requires closer evaluation; warrants assessment of other risk factors (LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking); lifestyle modifications recommended; may require repeat testing
- 240 mg/dL and Above (High): Significantly increased risk for heart disease and stroke; warrants comprehensive lipid panel analysis to determine LDL and HDL levels; medical intervention usually necessary including medication and aggressive lifestyle changes
- Factors Affecting Results:
- Diet: Saturated fats and trans fats increase cholesterol; soluble fiber and plant sterols reduce it
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise raises HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers total cholesterol
- Body Weight: Obesity correlates with elevated cholesterol levels
- Age and Gender: Cholesterol naturally increases with age; post-menopausal women have higher levels due to estrogen changes
- Genetics: Family history and genetic conditions (familial hypercholesterolemia) significantly affect cholesterol levels
- Medications: Steroids, hormonal therapies, and certain antipsychotics can elevate cholesterol
- Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and diabetes increase cholesterol levels
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems:
- Cardiovascular System: Heart and blood vessels are primary targets; elevated cholesterol deposits in arterial walls
- Liver: Primary site of cholesterol synthesis and metabolism; produces majority of body's cholesterol
- Diseases and Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results:
- Coronary Artery Disease: Atherosclerotic plaques containing cholesterol narrow arterial lumens
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Thrombotic occlusion of coronary arteries due to cholesterol-laden plaques
- Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke): Cholesterol plaques in carotid and cerebral arteries increase stroke risk
- Peripheral Arterial Disease: Reduced blood flow to extremities due to cholesterol-related atherosclerosis
- Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Genetic disorder causing severely elevated cholesterol levels
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Liver disease associated with markedly elevated cholesterol
- Hypothyroidism: Reduced thyroid hormone decreases cholesterol metabolism
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Impaired lipid metabolism increases cholesterol levels
- Type 2 Diabetes: Impaired glucose and lipid metabolism elevates total cholesterol
- Potential Complications from Elevated Cholesterol:
- Angina Pectoris: Chest pain from reduced coronary blood flow
- Sudden Cardiac Death: Acute thrombotic coronary occlusion
- Xanthomas: Lipid deposits in skin and tendons characteristic of severe hypercholesterolemia
- Follow-up Tests
- Lipid Panel (Comprehensive Metabolic Profile):
- LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein): "Bad cholesterol" that deposits in arteries; primary intervention target
- HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein): "Good cholesterol" that removes plaques from arteries
- Triglycerides: Blood fats that contribute to cardiovascular risk when elevated
- VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein): Transport vehicle for triglycerides
- Additional Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Tests:
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: Independent cardiovascular risk factor; genetic determination
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): More accurate predictor of cardiovascular events than LDL alone
- High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP): Inflammatory marker associated with atherosclerosis risk
- Diagnostic Imaging and Functional Tests:
- Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring: CT scan assessing arterial calcification and plaque burden
- Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT): Ultrasound measurement of subclinical atherosclerosis
- Stress Testing/Exercise Treadmill Test: Evaluates cardiac function and ischemia
- Coronary Angiography: Direct visualization of coronary arteries when higher risk suspected
- Associated Metabolic Tests:
- Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4): Screen for hypothyroidism affecting cholesterol
- Fasting Glucose/HbA1c: Assess diabetes status, significant cardiovascular risk factor
- Liver Function Tests: Monitor for medication side effects and hepatic cholesterol metabolism
- Renal Function Tests (Creatinine, eGFR): Evaluate kidney disease impact on lipid metabolism
- Monitoring Frequency:
- Desirable Results: Recheck every 5 years if consistently normal and no risk factors
- Borderline Results: Retest every 1-2 years; more frequently if lifestyle changes initiated
- High Results or on Medication: Recheck 6-8 weeks after starting/adjusting medication, then every 3-6 months until goals achieved, then annually
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: YES
- Fasting Duration: 9-12 hours (typically overnight fast)
- Dietary Instructions:
- No food consumption from midnight (or as specified) until blood draw completion
- Water intake is permitted and encouraged
- Black coffee or tea without additives (milk, sugar, cream) acceptable
- Medications:
- Continue taking all regular medications as prescribed unless specifically instructed otherwise by physician
- Lipid-lowering medications (statins, fibrates) should be taken as scheduled
- Do not discontinue medications without consulting healthcare provider
- Additional Preparation:
- Maintain normal physical activity patterns the day before testing
- Avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activity for 24 hours prior to test
- Limit alcohol consumption for 24 hours before testing (can elevate triglycerides and cholesterol)
- Avoid stressful situations if possible, as stress can temporarily elevate cholesterol levels
- Testing should occur at consistent time of day for serial comparisons; morning appointments preferred
- Fasting requirement may be waived for total cholesterol measurement alone when comprehensive lipid panel not required, but fasting essential for accurate LDL and triglyceride interpretation
How our test process works!
