Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the sum of LDL, HDL, and a fraction of triglycerides — a single headline number that hides which direction the underlying particles are actually moving.
Reference range
Watch points
- High: at or above 240 mg/dL
- Borderline: at or above 200 mg/dL
Same thresholds apply to men and women in this table.
Why hard-training athletes watch it
Two lifters can share an identical total cholesterol while one has a favorable HDL-heavy profile and the other doesn't — read total cholesterol next to its LDL/HDL/triglyceride breakdown, never alone.
When to retest
Order it as part of a full fasting lipid panel every 3–6 months so the breakdown comes with it automatically.
Talk to your clinician
Add steady cardio and clean up dietary fats, and discuss your lipids with your clinician. Bring the full panel breakdown — not just the total — to your clinician; the ratio between the particles matters more than the headline figure.
Related reading
SomaZeus tracks total cholesterol alongside every other panel, your training, and your nutrition on one timeline — so you see the trend, not just the number. Get your first read →
Reference source: American Heart Association / American College of Cardiology (2018)
This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by lab and population — always interpret your own results with a qualified clinician.