Total cholesterol level is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It is measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) . The total cholesterol level is calculated using the formula HDL + LDL + 20% triglycerides. A normal total cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dL. A total cholesterol level of 200 to 239 mg/dL is borderline high, and a level of 240 mg/dL or higher is considered high.

It is important to note that total cholesterol level is just one of several measurements that make up a lipid panel, which is a blood test that measures cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Other measurements in a lipid panel include LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. LDL cholesterol is considered the "bad" cholesterol because it is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries, while HDL cholesterol is considered the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries. Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, and it includes LDL and other types of cholesterol such as very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) . Triglycerides are another form of fat in the blood that can raise the risk for heart disease, especially in women.

It is recommended that cholesterol levels be measured at least once every 5 years in everyone over age 20. The general recommendations for how often to get a cholesterol test depend on age, risk factors, and family hi...