What does it mean to have high total cholesterol?
Disease description:
My own cholesterol level is very high. My doctor mentioned that my total cholesterol is elevated, and I’d like to understand what it means for total cholesterol to be high.
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Li Qinghui
Hello, total cholesterol refers to the sum of cholesterol carried by all lipoproteins in the blood. Elevated total cholesterol levels may indicate the onset of substantive pathological changes in the liver and lungs. Population-level total cholesterol concentrations are primarily determined by genetic factors and lifestyle. Cholesterol serves as a critical precursor for synthesizing physiologically active substances—including adrenal corticosteroids, sex hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D—and is also a major structural component of cell membranes. Serum cholesterol concentration can thus serve as an indicator of lipid metabolism. We hope the above information is helpful to you. Wishing you a happy and healthy life!
