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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Tests and Exams > Cholesterol Test: Results and Values
      Category : Health Centers > Cholesterol

Cholesterol Test

Alternate Names : Total Cholesterol, Lipid Profile

Cholesterol Test | Preparation & Expectations | Results and Values | Attribution


What do the test results mean?

Total cholesterol results are evaluated as follows:

  • desirable range is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL
  • borderline-high is 200 to 239 mg/dL
  • high cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or greater
  • Abnormally high levels of blood cholesterol may indicate the following:

  • atherosclerosis
  • biliary cirrhosis, which is scarring and blockage of the bile ducts
  • diet high in cholesterol, saturated fats, calories, or transfats
  • familial hyperlipidemia, a condition in which high blood lipids run in a family
  • heart attack
  • high stress
  • hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland
  • lack of exercise
  • nephrotic syndrome, which is a kidney disease resulting in loss of protein in the urine
  • overweight or obesity
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • Abnormally low levels of cholesterol may indicate the following:

  • hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland
  • liver disease
  • malabsorption, or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines
  • malnutrition
  • A person's LDL level is also extremely important in evaluating his or her risk for CHD.


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    Cholesterol Test: Attribution

    Author: David T. Moran, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 05/23/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009