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Total cholesterol in the blood

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021

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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 suffer from hypercholesterolemia. By itself, hypercholesterolemia is asymptomatic, but can lead to serious pathological changes in the walls of blood vessels in vital organs.

Concentrations in the blood of cholesterol and triglycerides are the most important indicators of lipid metabolism in patients. They provide important information for further tactics of diagnosing lipid metabolism disorders, solving the issue of hospitalization, choosing a method of treatment and evaluating its effectiveness. The concentration of cholesterol above 6.5 mmol / l is considered a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. There is a relationship between the increase in cholesterol in the blood and the risk of developing CHD. In individuals at risk for IHD, the definition of cholesterol in the blood is recommended to be performed every 3 months.

Reference values (norm) of concentration of total cholesterol in blood serum

Age groups	The content of total cholesterol
Age groups	Mg / dL	Mmol / l
Newborns	53-135	1.37-3.5
Children under 1 year old	70-175	1.81-4.53
Children	120-200	3.11-5.18
Teens	120-210	3.11-5.44
Adults	140-310	3.63-8.03
Recommended limits for adults	140-250	3.63-5.2

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