Total Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat. The Amount of each cholesterol type and triglycerides in your blood assesses your heart and circulatory system wellness.

Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But having too much cholesterol in your blood raises your risk of coronary artery disease.

A desirable total cholesterol level for adults without heart disease is less than 200 mg/dL. An HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease, while a level less than 40 mg/dL for men is considered a major risk factor for heart disease.

LDL cholesterol stands for low-density lipoproteins. It is called the “bad” cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries.