Total cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy fat like substance. Total cholesterol refers to the sum of the different sub-fractions of cholesterol that are measured in the blood. Total cholesterol is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program says 240 is considered high. A person with this level has twice the risk of heart disease compared with someone whose cholesterol is 200 mg/dL. Total cholesterol 200-

239 is borderline high cholesterol. Any cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or more increases your risk. (More than half the adults in the United States have levels above 200 mg/dL)