Total Cholesterol · high result
What does a high Total Cholesterol mean?
Short answer
Total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL is borderline and above 240 high, but the number alone says little — it adds LDL, HDL and a triglyceride component together. A high total from high HDL is not the same as one from high LDL. The useful next step is the breakdown: LDL, non-HDL cholesterol and ApoB, plus TSH, because hypothyroidism is a common reversible cause.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Total Cholesterol?
- age 18+: 125 – 200 mg/dL
Above 200 mg/dL is considered borderline high; above 240 mg/dL is high. Family history, diet, and activity all influence this.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Total Cholesterol biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Total Cholesterol?
- High LDL from diet, weight or genetics
- High HDL (favorable component)
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney or liver disease, pregnancy
- Medications: steroids, some diuretics, retinoids
What symptoms go with high Total Cholesterol?
- None
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Full lipid panel breakdown if not already done
- ApoB and lipoprotein(a)
- TSH
- Cardiovascular risk estimate
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99).
How do you recheck Total Cholesterol?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Wellness Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $89.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| Heart Health Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $99.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| Pre-Diabetes Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $89.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Lipid Panel | Test · 4 biomarkers | $24.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
Is total cholesterol of 220 bad?
It depends on what makes it up. 220 with an HDL of 80 and LDL of 120 is very different from 220 with HDL 35 and LDL 160. Look at LDL, non-HDL and ApoB.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.