Medical expert of the article
New publications
Total cholesterol in the blood
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
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 | |
|
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 |