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Total blood cholesterol
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
Cholesterol is a secondary monohydric cyclic alcohol. Cholesterol enters the body with food, but most of it is formed endogenously (synthesized in the liver). Cholesterol is a component of cell membranes, a precursor of steroid hormones and bile acids. At least 10% of the population suffers from hypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia itself is asymptomatic, but can lead to serious pathological changes in the walls of blood vessels in vital organs.
Blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations are the most important indicators of lipid metabolism in patients. They provide important information for further diagnostic tactics of lipid metabolism disorders, deciding on hospitalization, choosing a treatment method and assessing its effectiveness. Cholesterol concentrations above 6.5 mmol/l are considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis. There is a relationship between the increase in blood cholesterol concentration and the risk of developing coronary heart disease. In individuals at risk for coronary heart disease, it is recommended to determine blood cholesterol once every 3 months.
Reference values (norm) of total cholesterol concentration in blood serum
Age groups |
Total cholesterol content |
|
Mg/dl |
Mmol/l |
|
Newborns |
53-135 |
1.37-3.5 |
Children under 1 year |
70-175 |
1.81-4.53 |
Children |
120-200 |
3.11-5.18 |
Teenagers |
120-210 |
3.11-5.44 |
Adults |
140-310 |
3.63-8.03 |
Recommended limits for adults |
140-250 |
3.63-5.2 |