Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) and HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein). LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol", can build up in the arteries and cause heart disease if there is too much of it. HDL cholesterol, or "good cholesterol", on the other hand, helps transport LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver where it can be broken down. If you want to know your exact values of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, you need to add these to the shopping cart as well. The total cholesterol value does not give specific answers divided into LDL and HDL cholesterol.
It is important to have a good total cholesterol value because high levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The cholesterol test is important for those who want to gain insight into your cholesterol levels to see if you have high cholesterol or are at a good level. To gain deeper insight into your cholesterol levels, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, LDL-carb/HDL-carb ratio and triglycerides are analyzed.
Regular cholesterol tests can help you identify any abnormalities early and provide an opportunity to take preventive measures. Cholesterol levels can also be affected by various medical conditions, such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and thyroid disorders. If necessary, drug treatment in the form of statins or other cholesterol-lowering agents can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with elevated levels.
Risks of high total cholesterol
Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to the deposition of fat in the blood vessels, which increases the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol can also contribute to impaired blood circulation and other cardiovascular-related complications, especially if it occurs together with high blood pressure and/or diabetes.
