Definitions for "Total cholesterol"
The sum of all forms of cholesterol.
The total amount of cholesterol in the blood.
Knowing total cholesterol (and HDL cholesterol) can provide a general idea about cholesterol levels. If the total cholesterol is at or above 200 mg/dL, patients should have a lipoprotein profile done. Levels from 200-239 are considered "borderline high," while a level above 240 mg/dL is considered high.