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Cardiovascular

Cholesterol levels: what do they tell you about your cardiovascular health?

Total cholesterol provides an overview of your lipid health. Women's cholesterol levels often change with menopause, making regular screening important.

Doctor's Assessment Included

When is this value abnormal?

Decision limits per result, in mmol/l
Result Value (mmol/l)
Normal < 5
Borderline 5–8
Elevated ≥ 8

Deze afkapwaarden gelden voor niet-nuchter afgenomen bloed, zoals wij het afnemen (NHG-Standaard CVRM). Totaal cholesterol is in Nederland geen behandeldoel — de NHG stelt alleen een streefwaarde voor LDL-cholesterol, en het cardiovasculair risico wordt bepaald met SCORE2, niet met dit getal alleen. Bij een totaal cholesterol boven 8 mmol/l (of een LDL-cholesterol boven 5 mmol/l) adviseert de NHG om aan een erfelijke vetstofwisselingsstoornis te denken: bespreek dit met uw huisarts.

Source: Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap Reference population: Nederlandse huisartsenpopulatie (NHG-Standaard CVRM, tabel 22)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the total amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood, combining all lipoprotein fractions.

Why It Matters

Total cholesterol is a basic screening marker for cardiovascular risk. However, the breakdown into HDL, LDL, and triglycerides provides more actionable information. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

When to Test

Total cholesterol is part of standard lipid screening recommended for all adults at regular intervals. Frequency depends on age and risk factors.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Very low total cholesterol is uncommon and may be associated with malnutrition, liver disease, or certain genetic conditions. Discuss with your healthcare provider.

High Levels

High total cholesterol typically does not cause symptoms but increases cardiovascular risk over time. Regular screening helps detect elevations early.

Recommendations

Female

If Low

Low total cholesterol is generally favourable.

If High

Elevated total cholesterol increases cardiovascular risk. Consider diet, exercise, and possibly statins.

Lifestyle Tips

A balanced diet low in saturated fat, regular exercise, healthy weight maintenance, and not smoking support healthy cholesterol levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is total cholesterol enough for risk assessment?
Total cholesterol alone is insufficient. The HDL/LDL breakdown, triglycerides, and ratios provide much more useful risk information. Always review your full lipid panel.
Can total cholesterol be too low?
Very low total cholesterol may warrant investigation, though it is uncommon. Your healthcare provider can advise if your levels are outside the expected range.
Does fasting affect total cholesterol results?
Fasting mainly affects triglycerides. Total cholesterol and LDL/HDL are less affected, but your healthcare provider may still recommend fasting for accurate lipid panel results.

Total Cholesterol

€9,-