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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

These cut-off values apply to non-fasting blood (NHG guideline on cardiovascular risk management, CVRM). In the Netherlands total cholesterol is not a treatment target: the NHG sets a target only for LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk is determined with SCORE2, not with this number alone. With a total cholesterol above 8 mmol/l (or an LDL cholesterol above 5 mmol/l), the NHG advises considering an inherited lipid disorder: discuss this with your GP.

Source: Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap Reference population: Dutch general-practice population (NHG guideline CVRM, table 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.

Total Cholesterol: what this test measures

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

Total Cholesterol: why this value 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.

Total Cholesterol: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Total Cholesterol: how to prepare

Nothing special is needed for these tests.

  1. No need to fast

    Good to know

    Eating beforehand makes little difference to these values. You can have breakfast.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

Total Cholesterol: when is testing worthwhile?

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

Total Cholesterol: symptoms of a high or low value

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.

Total Cholesterol: what to do about an abnormal value

Female

If Low

Low total cholesterol is generally favourable.

If High

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

Total Cholesterol: lifestyle and this value

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

Total Cholesterol: 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: sources

  1. Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap. NHG-Standaard Cardiovasculair risicomanagement. Tabel 22: Overzicht van afkapwaarden bij niet-nuchter afgenomen bloed. Geraadpleegd 14 juli 2026. (retrieved 2026) richtlijnen.nhg.org

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Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
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Total Cholesterol

€9,-