Understanding the marker
Total cholesterol measures the cholesterol carried in all lipoproteins and is interpreted with the rest of the lipid profile.
Total cholesterol measures cholesterol carried in the different lipoproteins. Interpret it with LDL, non-HDL, triglycerides and overall cardiovascular risk, including blood pressure, smoking and medical history. It is not a count of lipoprotein particles.
What does high Total cholesterol mean?
Total cholesterol includes cholesterol in several types of particles. A high total therefore needs to be read with LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Health history and other risk factors determine the personal significance.
What does low Total cholesterol mean?
A low total cholesterol result is best understood by looking at LDL, HDL and the other blood fats. Any treatment and changes from previous results help explain an unexpectedly low value.
Panels that measure Total cholesterol
Blood Sugar Status
Blood Sugar Advanced
Vitals
Heart Health
Gym Health
Heart Health Advanced
Midlife Health
Men's Health
Northstar
Vitals Pro
Women's Hormone Health
Fitness Premium
Vitals Max
Founders Panel Plus
Reading
- Men’s health after 40: choosing blood tests for your risk and symptoms
- What is included in a blood test health check?
- ApoB: the cholesterol value most people have never measured
- Blood tests without a referral: how it works in Sweden
- Understand your Swedish blood test results
- Health checks in Sweden for expats
- Fasting before a blood test
- Can a blood test explain weight gain?
More markers in the same area
- HDL cholesterolcholesterol carried in HDL
- LDL cholesterolthe main cholesterol risk factor
- Non-HDL cholesteroltotal cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol
- Triglyceridesa type of blood fat used for energy
- Apolipoprotein A1the main protein in HDL particles
- Apolipoprotein Ba protein in particles that carry cholesterol
This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: October 2026.