Total cholesterol
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol (pronunciation: toh-tuhl koh-les-ter-ol) is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol present in the blood. It includes the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Etymology
The term "cholesterol" originates from the Greek words chole (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol. The term "total cholesterol" is used to denote the sum of all types of cholesterol in the body.
Definition
Total cholesterol is a measure used to evaluate the risk of heart disease. It is calculated by adding the amount of LDL, HDL, and 20% of the triglyceride level. A high total cholesterol level can indicate a higher risk of heart disease, especially when accompanied by high levels of LDL and low levels of HDL.
Related Terms
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad cholesterol," LDL carries cholesterol to the arteries. High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Often referred to as "good cholesterol," HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's broken down and removed from the body.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Total cholesterol
- Wikipedia's article - Total cholesterol
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