Description
The total cholesterol test measures the combined amount of cholesterol in your blood, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance vital for building cell membranes and producing hormones, but high levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This test helps evaluate your risk for cardiovascular disease and guide treatment decisions. Normal total cholesterol levels are typically below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).