Total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol measured in a person's blood. This total includes high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is sometimes called the "good cholesterol," and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called the "bad cholesterol," and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).

Cholesterol is measured either in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or in millimoles per liter of blood (mmol/L).

• A total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL (5.17 mmol/L) is desirable.
• 200 to 239 mg/dL (5.17 to 6.18 mmol/L) is considered borderline high cholesterol.
• 240 mg/dL (6.21 mmol/L) or higher is considered high cholesterol.

The ratio of total cholesterol to "good" (HDL) cholesterol is also important, especially if total cholesterol is high.