Mediki
Total cholesterol blood test: what your result means
Total cholesterol measures all cholesterol carried in blood. It is used to estimate cardiovascular risk context.
- Standard unit
- mmol/L
- Reported in
- mmol/L, µmol/L, mg/dL, mg/100mL, mg%, mg/L and more
What does high total cholesterol mean?
Higher values may suggest increased atherogenic lipid burden. What counts as high depends on the reference range printed on your lab report, because ranges differ between laboratories.
What does low total cholesterol mean?
Lower values can be seen with low lipid levels or specific metabolic states. What counts as low depends on the reference range printed on your lab report, because ranges differ between laboratories.
Total cholesterol units and conversion
Mediki shows total cholesterol in mmol/L. Labs may report it in other units; Mediki converts them automatically so results from different labs line up on one chart.
| Unit on your report | Convert to mmol/L | Convert back |
|---|---|---|
| µmol/L | 1 µmol/L = 0.001 mmol/L | 1 mmol/L = 1,000 µmol/L |
| mg/dL, mg/100mL, mg% | 1 mg/dL = 0.02586 mmol/L | 1 mmol/L = 38.66 mg/dL |
| mg/L, µg/mL | 1 mg/L = 0.002586 mmol/L | 1 mmol/L = 386.6 mg/L |
Convert a value from your report with the blood test unit converter.
Why track total cholesterol over time?
A single total cholesterol result is a snapshot. Comparing it with your earlier tests shows whether a value is stable, slowly drifting, or responding to a change in treatment or lifestyle, which is often more useful than one number on its own.
Read our guide on how to read blood test results to understand reference ranges, flags and units.
Following total cholesterol as part of a panel? See the cholesterol tracker.
Track your total cholesterol results in one chart
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Medical disclaimer: This page is general information, not medical advice. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, and only a doctor can interpret your results in the context of your health.