Lipids & Cardiovascular
Total Cholesterol
Lipids & Cardiovascular
Overall cholesterol level. Used with HDL/LDL for cardiovascular risk assessment.
VAT-exempt medical service
Cholesterol is a steroid essential for life. It forms cell membranes, produces hormones, and creates bile acids needed for nutrient absorption. Total cholesterol measures the combined amount of all cholesterol types in your blood -- LDL, HDL, and VLDL. Wellth offers total cholesterol testing through accredited Swedish laboratories as a fundamental component of cardiovascular health screening.
Testing total cholesterol helps you discover cardiovascular risk factors early, when you can still take effective preventive action. A family history of cardiovascular disease, especially at a young age, significantly increases your own risk. If you have a personal history of heart attack, stroke, or high cholesterol, regular monitoring is essential for managing and reducing these risks over time.
What a high value can mean
High total cholesterol indicates more cholesterol circulating in the blood than is healthy, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. Causes include a diet high in saturated and trans fats, smoking, lack of exercise, stress, genetic factors such as familial hypercholesterolaemia, systemic chronic inflammation, hypothyroidism, early-stage diabetes, insulin resistance, and kidney problems. Both genetic studies and clinical trials confirm that maintaining healthy cholesterol levels reduces cardiovascular risk.
What a low value can mean
Low total cholesterol means less circulating cholesterol than expected. The body needs cholesterol for hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and digestion. Very low levels have been associated with increased anxiety, depression, and in some studies, certain cancer types, although a causal relationship is debated. In pregnant women, low cholesterol may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight.
No specific preparation is required for a standalone total cholesterol test, but if ordered as part of a full lipid panel with triglycerides and LDL, fasting for 10 to 12 hours is recommended. Bring valid identification to the lab.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
Generally, total cholesterol below 5.0 mmol/L is considered desirable for most adults. However, the significance of your result depends on the ratio of LDL to HDL and your overall risk profile.
Total cholesterol alone does not tell the full story. A complete lipid panel breaking down LDL, HDL, and triglycerides provides much more useful information for risk assessment.
Yes. Chronic stress can raise cholesterol levels through hormonal pathways and inflammation. Stress management, combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help keep cholesterol in check.
For healthy adults with no risk factors, every 4 to 6 years is common. If you have cardiovascular risk factors or are on medication, more frequent testing -- typically every 3 to 12 months -- is recommended.