Cholesterol, total

Although cholesterol is necessary, elevated total cholesterol increases long-term cardiovascular risk by contributing to plaque buildup in arteries. High cholesterol typically causes no symptoms until it leads to significant artery blockage, which can result in heart attack or stroke. The optimal range depends on your overall risk profile, but lower levels are generally better for heart health. Lifestyle factors such as diet, regular physical activity, maintaining healthy weight, avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol, as well as genetics and medications, can all influence cholesterol levels.

Regular monitoring helps detect early cardiovascular risk and prevent the silent buildup of arterial plaques.

Most adults benefit from checking total cholesterol once a year as part of a lipid panel. After a meaningful change in diet, body composition, or medication, retest at 8 to 12 weeks. Above-target results usually warrant a follow-up panel within three months.

At baseline / for screening: Once every 12 months from age 30, alongside the rest of your lipid panel. Earlier and more frequent if you have a family history of early cardiovascular disease, elevated Lp(a), or known cardiovascular risk factors.

When monitoring an intervention or change: Retest 8 to 12 weeks after a sustained lifestyle change, such as reducing saturated fat, adding soluble fibre, meaningful weight loss, or shifting toward a Mediterranean-style diet. The same window applies after starting or adjusting cholesterol-lowering medication (statin, ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, PCSK9 inhibitor).

Note: Acute illness, surgery, or pregnancy transiently shift total cholesterol. Wait 4 to 6 weeks after illness or surgery, or 8 to 12 weeks postpartum, before reading the next result as a stable baseline.