Total Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol levels are used to evaluate a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries. However, total cholesterol alone doesn’t provide a comprehensive picture of cardiovascular risk. It’s essential to interpret total cholesterol levels alongside other lipid measurements, such as HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Here’s how total cholesterol levels are typically interpreted:
- Desirable: Total cholesterol levels below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered desirable and are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
- Borderline high: Total cholesterol levels between 200 and 239 mg/dL are considered borderline high.
- High: Total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered high and are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.