Cholesterol — Total

What this test checks

This measures the total cholesterol in your blood: the sum of "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol and a fraction of triglycerides. It is a simple single number that gives a first idea of your heart-disease risk.

Why do people get this test?

If you are healthy and want a quick check, total cholesterol alone is often enough. If your number is high, your doctor will then order the full lipid profile to see which part of the cholesterol is the problem.

When you should consider this test

• Initial cholesterol screen if you have no symptoms
• Tracking a known cholesterol number after lifestyle change
• Family history of high cholesterol
• Pre-employment medical or insurance check-up
• Before deciding whether to order a full lipid profile

How to prepare

Fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test, with only plain water. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.